Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

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Lewis William Otto to Susan Kean, November 8, 1788

Lewis William Otto
11-08-1788

Lewis William Otto wrote from New York to Susan Kean, address not included. He wrote that he hoped the rest of Susan's voyage went well and that he would miss her and John while they were gone. He updated her on friends and family including his daughter, Eliza Otto, Mr. Bayard, Sarah Ricketts, Mr. Houstoun, Mrs. De LaForest, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Berkel.
JB Petry to John Kean, circa 1700s

Jean-Baptiste Petry
circa 1700s

Jean Baptiste Petry wrote to John Kean, unaddressed. Petry issued compliments to Kean and apologized that his disposition confined him at home and for troubling him to write so many times about a bill. This document is undated.

People mentioned: Mr. V
David Ramsay to John Kean, December 18, 1788

David Ramsay
12-18-1788

David Ramsay wrote from Charleston to John Kean, address not included.He wrote about elections to new government positions. He mentioned that he had heard John's name said a lot.
David Ramsay to John Kean, July 28, 1788

David Ramsay
07-28-1788

David Ramsay wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to New York. He wrote regarding an upcoming senate election, in particular one of the candidates, Charles Pinckney. He wrote that several other men have been mentioned such as General Manthie and Ralph Izard.

People included: Robert Barnwell, John Mutledge
David Ramsay to John Kean, June 20, 1788

David Ramsay
06-20-1788

David Ramsay wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to New York, NY. He wrote regarding the on going ratification of the new constitution and other legal matters.
Martha Laurens Ramsay to John Kean, December 20, 1788

Martha Laurens Ramsay
12-20-1788

Martha Laurens Ramsay wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. John and his wife, Susan had stayed with the Ramsay family while in Charleston. Martha wrote that she never felt more comfortable in the presence of a stranger than she did with Susan and that she hoped her health had improved. She mentioned that Miss Futerell and Fanny sent their best.
Beverly Randolph for Alexander Donald to Donald and Burton, June 7, 1788

Beverly Randolph
06-07-1788

Bill of exchange addressed to Donald and Burton, merchants in London, to pay Alexander Donald 110 pounds 8 shillings and signed by Beverly Randolph.
Edmund Randolph for Samuel Beele to Richard Anderson and Nathaniel Anderson, April 10, 1788

Edmund Randolph
04-10-1788

Bill of Exchange from Edmund Randolph to Richard Anderson and Nathaniel Anderson, Merchants in London, ordering them to pay 52 Pound Stirling to Samuel Beele.
John Randolph to St. George Tucker, October 12, 1788

John Randolph
10-12-1788

John Randolph wrote from New York, NY to St. George Tucker, his father, addressed to Matoax, VA. He wrote about the possibility of him returning home to Virginia, at least for the break. He said it was much more costly in New York to live and was apprehensive because he had not gotten a response to his last two letters. He also wrote about Dr. Johnson, his admittance to college, and how he wanted to change his course of study from Greek to modern languages. He asked that his love be sent to Miss Maria and the children.
John Randolph to St. George Tucker, September 10, 1788

John Randolph
09-10-1788

John Randolph wrote from Princeton to St. George Tucker, his father, addressed to Matoax, VA. He wrote that he had to postpone his trip to New York due to the weather and asked about the health of his brothers Richard and Theodorick. He sent messages for the family.

People Included: Uncle Thomas, Fanny, Eliza, Henry, Tudor, Nat, Mr. Corderius
Jacob Read to John Kean, June 22, 1788

Jacob Read
06-22-1788

Jacob wrote to John, addressed to New York, via Merrs G. Vanhorns [?]. Jacob wrote about John Pritchard (the goaler) concerning a bond paid to Samuel Grove before the war, with Hughe, Edwards, and Mull acting as creditors, regarding Mr. Grove's purchase of enslaved people Billy and Bella, and an enslaved child, Paddy, in 1774. Names included: Reynold, Mrs. Rammadge (demands money to pay a debt to Roger [illegible]), Calhoun, Mrs. Grove, Colonel Barnwell, and Ralph Elliot. He finished with a good weather report.
Sarah Ricketts to Susan Kean, December 2, 1788

Sarah Ricketts
1788-12-02

Sarah Ricketts wrote to Susan Kean, unaddressed. Sarah informed Susan she was disappointed her letters were delayed and sorry that Susan had been ill. Thought it fortunate that Miss Delancey was with her particularly as Mr. Kean was also sick. Franks advised Sarah before she wrote to Susan to go to New Ark to the new intelligence office that was established there and she will have the history of everyone and their servants. Phil left the Ricketts that morning and Mr. and Mrs. Evely took the stage with him. Mrs. Evely informed Phil that she knew Susan during the war. Was told Charlotte White was in a deep decay. Bailey claimed to have never seen such a bad ulcer. Mr. Paterson and Mr. Elmer were the Senators for New Jersey. Billy Livingston intended to court Cornelia Van Horne. Mrs. Baxter was confined to her house; she was very ill with no appetite and had night sweats. She was bled two or three times a week. Mrs. Lawrence and Billy paid the Ricketts a visit on their way to Philadelphia. Sarah had been troubled with a pain in her side and a cold. For the first time in her life, she planned to wear a flannel waistcoat in the winter.
Sarah Ricketts to Susan Kean, June 7, 1788

Sarah Ricketts
1788-06-07

Sarah Ricketts wrote to Susan Kean in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sarah informed Susan that she received her letters by Mr. H and Miss M. Sarah saw Peggy for only a few minutes on her way from New Ark. Sorry to hear Susan was so low spirited but heard from everyone Mr. K [John Kean] looked very well. Susan likely expected General Bull’s failure and John Kean was prepared for that and may receive more than he expected. Huger said that John Kean should get offered another position because the President [George Washington] understood he was the only one at the Board who understood business. Jacob had gone to Jamaica to get possession of Ridgeland. Mrs. Bell had gone to visit a friend in Pennsylvania. Recommended Dr. Griffiths to Mr. Huger as he was very ill. Mr. R claimed Sarah did not exercise enough and suggested they go for a jaunt to the valleys and stay a day at Bethlehem, then to visit Susan for a day, then to Mr. Otto, and then return home. Mr. R said he could do it but Sarah thought it too fatiguing and expensive. Longed to see Peter and wished the best for the family.
Sarah Ricketts to Susan Kean, November 8, 1788

Sarah Ricketts
11-08-1788

Sarah Ricketts wrote to her sister Susan Kean addressed to Beaufort, SC. She told Susan about a stormy boat ride she and the family endured and informed her about the hiring of a housekeeper. Additionally, she mentioned how she recommended Susan's wet nurse to Mr. Griffin and Mrs. Griffin as they were in need of one. People included: Mr. Griffin, Mrs. Griffin, Mr. Otto, Mr. Huger, John Livingston. Places included: Kinderhook, New York.
J. Rutledge to John Kean, November 17, 1788

J. Rutledge
11-17-1788

J. Rutledge wrote to John Kean, address not included. He wrote regarding a bond between John and E. Baird [?].
William Stephens to John Kean, December 17, 1788

William Stephens
12-17-1788

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC.He wrote in answer to a letter regarding the exchanging of paper and paying paper money tax.
William Stephens to John Kean, July 15, 1788

William Stephens
07-15-1788

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, address not included. He wrote considering John Kean's finances and financial matters. He enclosed a copy of a letter regarding Captain Pray's attachment and account. He also referenced a letter from James Habersham (James Habersham to William Stephens, July 8, 1788). He ended the letter by writing about the new intended government and its financial system.

People Included: Mr. Houstoun, Mr.Wereat, Major Fishbourne, Patton, Peter Lavien, and Dr. Macloud.
William Stephens to John Kean, November 27, 1788

William Stephens
11-27-1788

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He had received a letter from John via Thomson, the pilot, and was waiting on the answer. He congratulated John and his wife, Susan on a safe trip. He then wrote short updates on their friends including the marriage of Mr. Davies to Mr. Francis Stebbins, Mr. Deveaux leasing his plantation to General Elbert, and Peter Deveaux and Dr. Hall selling land. Peter Deveaux was selling his land for 10 pounds an acre and made mention of enslaved people in his terms.
William Stephens to John Kean, September 25, 1788

William Stephens
09-25-1788

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to New York, NY. At the beginning of the letter, he wrote about financial matters having to do with Dr. Hall, the Gainnetti Estate, Captain Pray, and Mr. Wercat. He then wrote about property and deeds saying he recorded the ones from Habersham and Deveaux, but had not heard from John Dollar. The letter also discussed the latest news with regards to the local Native Americans and the attempts at a treaty. William complained not enough progress was being made and mentioned a letter from Mr. Mac Gillwray to General Whitefield regarding the Cherokees. William wrote that their plundering of the frontier combined with the Spanish encouraging enslaved people to run away was very bad for Georgians.
Samuel Stirk to William Stephens, June 30, 1788

Samuel Stirk
06-30-1788

Samuel Stirk wrote from Savannah, GA to William Stephens, address not included. He wrote regarding a legal issue between Captain Pray and John Kean as surviving partner of Lavien & Kean. He wrote he had directions to withdraw the attached, presumably a lawsuit, if they agreed instead to submit all the accounts to arbitration.
John Stoney to John Kean, December 13, 1788

John Stoney
12-13-1788

John Stoney wrote to John Kean, address to Beaufort. He had sent John nine large barrels and one flower barrel of indigo that he requested. He was not able to send it on Thursday as his enslaved people came back too late and the tide was too low. John Kean had sent him some medicine for two sick enslaved boys, but they did not seem to be doing any better.
John Stoney to John Kean, May 22, 1788

John Stoney
05-22-1788

John Stoney wrote from Hilton Head to John Kean, addressed to New York. He wrote to give Kean an update on his plantation at Hilton Head. He said the crops were coming up well and specifically mentioned corn and indigo. He gave a bushel of Indigo seeds to Mr. Wiggs as requested. He also mentioned briefly a job tasked to thee enslaved people and that they were all doing well.
Jacques Voorhees with James Pitney, August 22, 1788

Jacques Voorhees
08-22-1788

Indenture between Jacques Voorhees and James Pitney. Voorhees sold Pitney a plot of land in Mendham, County of Morris, NJ for 380 pounds. The agreement was witnessed by Nelly Voorhees, Jacques' wife.
Samuel Wilcox to John Kean, August 13, 1788

Samuel Wilcox
08-13-1788

Samuel Wilcox wrote from Hartford, CT to John Kean, addressed to New York, regarding cotton prices and manufacturing in relation to South Carolina and the Indies.
Samuel Wilcox to John Kean, October 1, 1788

Samuel Wilcox
10-01-1788

Samuel Wilcox wrote from Hartford to John Kean, addressed to New York. Wilcox recently married Miss Falcott and the two were heading down to Carolina in the fall. He said that they would be in New York in 12 days and try to sail down with John Kean.