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Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

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Michael Silk to John Kean, January 10, 1789

Michael Silk
01-10-1789

Michael Silk wrote from Berkshire to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He included information about bushels of barley. Michael wrote he wasn't idle and had poor writing.

Berkshire is mentioned in other letters, it may be a plantation overseen by Michael Silk.
William Stephens to John Kean, April 29, 1789

William Stephens
04-29-1789

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, address not included. He wrote that he recived the deeds needed by Mr. Elliott and that Thomson was working on surveying the land and had high praise for it. Mr. Devcaux was selling land with half payment by November and part of the next payment could be made with enslaved people. He updated John on the state of various bond he held as well as Gerogia congressional elections. He stated that he heard the treaty with the local Native Americans was moving forward.

People Included: Mr. Way, Mr. Werecat, Dr. Houstoun, Captain Pray, and Mr. Osborne.
William Stephens to John Kean, August 22, 1789

William Stephens
08-22-1789

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, address not included. He wrote regarding various friends and acquaintances that were given political appointments including, Mr. Hall, Isacc Mott, Wegman, Mr. Cagdell, Caston, John Habersham, Gela McIntosh, Berreir, and Cornelious Collins. He also mentioned that the wages for Senators and Representatives had been decided as well as the compensation for the President and Vice President. Congress was going to take up measures for peace with the Native Americans, for which Stephens was greatful. Philip Delegal wrote to Stephens regarding Islands John Kean had for sale. He believed Delegal could purchase them with his brother, David. He mentioned their dispute with Werecat should soon go to court and outlined the terms for purchasing Hutchinson's land.
William Stephens to John Kean, August 24, 1789

William Stephens
08-24-1789

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He wrote to congratulate Kean on his new appointment. He said he thought he would do well and that he and Susan Kean would benefit from being closer to their family up north. He also updated him on other political matters, Mr. Agnew was collector for Beaufort, Handley for Brunswick, and Seagrove for St. Mary's. A vote for $40,000 to assist Georgia with Native Americans was passed and a letter to Mr. McGillowing from George Washington was forwarded to Augusta on the same subject.
William Stephens to John Kean, December 30, 1789

William Stephens
12-30-1789

William Stephens wrote to Savannah to John Kean, addressed to New York, NY. He had just returned from Augusta. He complained that all both houses had done this season was debate about what was to be done with the Western Territory. It was decided that it be sold to speculators, about 15,500,000 acres from $20,700. Williams was skeptical of this plan and thought it would worsen tensions with the Native Americans.

People Included: General Jackson, Mr. McGillaray, and Mr. Johnston
William Stephens to John Kean, February 11, 1789

William Stephens
02-11-1789

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He wrote that the Legislature burnt paper money and expanded the tender of whats left for five years, with the value decreasing each year.He also shared election news and wrote, George Washington was unanimously elected President, Colonel Gunn was seemingly the Senator and General Matthews, Baldwin, General Jackson wold most likely win their districts despite opposition from William Houstoun and Osborne in the lower district. He was unable to buy cotton seed as it was in high demand.
William Stephens to John Kean, January 10, 1789

William Stephens
01-10-1789

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He wrote primarily regarding property and John's financial matters. He paid the taxes due in paper money and said that although John's lands were as valuable as any others he would have a hard time selling them. There was an on going issue in Southern Georgia with the local Native American which made it difficult to sell the property.

People Included: Charles Lucena, Captain Haist , J. C. Lucena, Bradwell, Andrew, Way, Major Pierce , Mr Elliot, and Thompson
William Stephens to John Kean, January 10, 1789

William Stephens
01-10-1789

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, address not included.He wrote about how people are wanting too high a price for rice lands, but that Major Habersham had written John on that subject. Georgia was most likely going to follow South Carolina in passing an installment act. He suggested not pressing the Bryan Estate or Barmah property unless John wanted more paper money. J. Elbert had paid W. Devaux so Devaux should be able to pay John soon. Captain Pray pressed for their case to go to arbitration.
William Stephens to John Kean, January 27, 1789

William Stephens
01-27-1789

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He had to delay the survey on John's lands, but planned to have them done soon. He gave news of the elections of Governor and Senators as well as other political news.

People Included: Thomson, Mr. Parteon, Mr. Few, Colonel Walton, Col. Gunn, Wayne, William Houstoun, Major Peadeton, Mr. Osborne, Mr. Fisher, Richards, and Emmanuel.
William Stephens to John Kean, June 5, 1789

William Stephens
06-05-1789

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He received John's letter from Mr. Thomson the pilot. He wrote that he needed permission from John to pay Mr. Thomson the surveyor for the work he did. Mr. Werecat had not begun legal proceedings yet, but when he did Stephens would have to go to the Federal Court. A new State System was being implemented in October and so their Court date had been brought forward to July. Johah attested to John's instructions regarding Mr. Tubly.
William Stephens to John Kean, May 11, 1789

William Stephens
05-11-1789

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. Thomson has finished the survey and the documentation will be sent to John soon. Stephens had agreed to pay Thomson. He heard news from New York that Congress was in session. Georgia's Convention adopted a new Constitution.

People Included: Captain Pray, Benjamin Maxwell, Miss Habersham
William Stephens to John Kean, October 26, 1789

William Stephens
10-26-1789

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to New York, NY. He was traveling to Augusta, GA to take his seat in the senate. He wrote that the attempt at a treaty with local Native Americans had failed and they can soon expect the situation to worsen.
William Stephens to John Kean, September 14, 1789

William Stephens
09-14-1789

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. Captain Thomson delivered to him John's letters for Mr. Johnston. Cland Thomson, the surveyor finished the warrants of the surplus land which must be perfected into grants for Jos. Gibbons. He wrote about various bonds and asked John what he did with the assignment of the judgment of Bryan v. Bowman. General Lincoln, Colonel Humphrey, Mr. Cyras Griffin had arrived as the Commission to negotiate with the Creeks and Mr. Franks and the Cherokee Cheifs accompanied the Commissioners. Stephens was pleased with the government's response. Captain Godfrey asked for $200 to rent out his whole ship and would go to Beaufort to discuss the matter with John.
William Stephens to John Kean, September 9, 1789

William Stephens
09-09-1789

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, Beaufort, SC. He was searching for a vessel to bring the Kean's to New York but had not yet found one. He said they would have to wait for Barnham's vessel to return. He was expecting payment on a bond from Bryan's estate. John had made an offer on Hutchinson's land, but Stephens said it would not suit.

People Included: Miss Jackson, Betts, and Deveaux
Steven Ramsay & Co. to John Kean, January 17, 1789

Steven Ramsay & Co.
01-17-1789

Steven Ramsay & Co. wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. They sent him his order via Captain Satters. Everything was sent except the magnesia and the wine. They did not have any common bark so they sent him red bark which was better.
John Teser to John Kean, June 29, 1789

John Teser
06-29-1789

John Teser wrote from Baber Island, Liberty County to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort. He was on Barber Island and was informed by William Way that the land was owned by John Kean and he should contact him. He mentioned that on the islands he had some fine horses and a crop of corn. The letter spelled Kean and Cain and has many other word that are spelled phonetically.
Petter Thomson to John Kean, October 16, 1789

Petter Thomson
10-16-1789

Petter Thomson wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to New York. He asked if he could send him a branch in the pilotage of Tiby and in the pilotage of Port Royal Barr.
St. George Tucker to Unknown Person, March 25, 1789

St. George Tucker
03-25-1789

St. George Tucker wrote to an unknown person. He wrote regarding an account A. Randolph sent him in relation to the estate of J.R. (presumably also a Randolph). He sent an interest payment he received with instructions it was to be given to John Woodson to pay the taxes on his ward's estate. He also mentioned having seen Benjamin Harrison and that he appeared to be in good health.
Arnoldus Vanderhorst to John Kean, August 28,1789

Arnoldus Vanderhorst
08-28-1789

Arnoldus Vanderhorst wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He was writing on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Williams, and Miss A. Grove. Mrs. Williams and Miss Grove were sisters of John's late step-father, Samuel Grove. He had left them each 1,000 pounds in his will. Arnoldus wrote asking John to send that money and enclosed the relevant documents.
Samuel Wilcox to John Kean, June 17, 1789

Samuel Wilcox
06-17-1789

Samuel Wilcox wrote from Hartford, CT to John Kean addressed to Beaufort, SC. He said that Mr. Livingston had applied on John's behalf to George Washington's office for the position that Mr. Baldwin turned down previously. He also said that should John take the position he would most likely have to live in New York and said that he would gladly look over John's lands in Beaufort for him.
Samuel Wilcox to John Kean, May 16, 1789

Samuel Wilcox
05-16-1789

Samuel Wilcox wrote from New York to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He had seen Mr. Livingston in town and he told him that Mr. Baldwin had turned down an appointment from Congress. Livingston thought this would be favorable to John Kean if he wanted the position. Wilcox planned to return to Hartford, CT, and said he would update John if he heard anything favorable about cotton. He also wrote that he hoped John recovered from his illness.
William Wilkie to John Kean, April 11, 1789

William Wilkie
04-11-1789

William Wilkie wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He wrote regarding the sale of some indentures John had. Indentures were not selling for much, but he was trying to find a good deal. He also wrote regarding various ships going to and from New York and Philadelphia, as well as who was traveling on them.

People Included: Alexander Chisolm, Mr. Calcoch, Mr. Tunno, Captain Strong, Captain Eliott, Captain Snell, Mr. Steward, Pierce Butler, Ralph Izard, Captain B. Tucker, Captain Sattus, and Carmand & Tinker.
William Wilkie to John Kean, December 25, 1789

William Wilkie
12-25-1789

William Wilkie wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to New York, NY. John did not mention the certification of exchange from William Craft and Murray, Mumford, and Bowen, so he enclosed another copy of it. By John Wood he was sending rice for the balance that was due to John. He had yet to sell the duck, osnabrig, and thread. He sold some of Stoney's indigo, paid Alexander Chisolm, and forwarded Robert Barnwell's letter.
William Wilkie to John Kean, November 19, 1789

William Wilkie
11-19-1789

William Wilkie wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to New York, NY. He had not heard from John since he wrote by Captain Elliott. He was enclosing a second copy of the Bill of Exchange from William Crafts and Murray, Mumford, & Bowen, Merchants to make sure John had it. He received a shipment for John containing ravens, ducks, thread, and osanbrigs (a type of cheap, course linen usually used to make clothing for enslaved people). He wrote he would follow John's instructions for this shipment and that he sent the rest of it to him in New York. He also mentioned that the price of rice was not yet fixed.
William Wilkie to John Kean, October 27, 1789

William Wilkie
10-27-1789

William Wilkie wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to New York, NY. He received John's letter along with a check sent from William Stephens that was previously sold by John Grive. He enclosed a bill for $150 from Mr. Crafts, Murray, Mumford, and Bowen as well as a current statement of account. Captain Blake would like a bill of sale for the enslaved man he bought from John. This is most likely a man named Sancho that had been mentioned in previous letters. He received several items from the Britannia and sent them to Beaufort.