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Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

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Poetry Event including S. Livingston, c1780

circa 1780

A list of Poems and the names of people presenting them, including the poem presented by S. Livingston (likely Susan or Sarah). There are two, loose pieces of paper, with writing on both sides. The pages are not numbered and may be in the wrong order.

Names included: Mrs. Greene, Col. & Mrs. Moylan, Mr. Duer, Lady Kitty, Miss Pronone, Col. Seammel, Miss A.D.H., Doctor Bond, Miss Ricketts, Doctor Draper, Miss S. Livingston, Doctor McHenry, Miss Winslow, Col. William, Miss Elizabeth, Major Steward, Miss P.H., Major Forman, Miss C. W. H., Major Gibbs, Miss Banker, Miss Vanzandt, and Miss Lott.
Will, Inquisition, and Certification of John, Gertrude, and Oliver Barberie

John Barberie, Gertrude Barberie, William Livingston, and Bower Reed
1770 through 1786

There are 4 documents, all related to John, Gertrude, or Oliver Barberie. First is a document certifying facts about John and Gertrude Barberie, signed by New Jersey Governor William Livingston and Secretary of State Bowes Reed on April 8, 1786.

Second, a copy of Gertrude's will, dated November 26, 1770, included the names of her and John's children: Peter, John, Andrew, Oliver, Lambert, Susanna (wife of John Johnston), Francis, and Catharine Culyer (deceased, former wife of Henry Cuyler and mother to children Henry and Catharine), signed by Bowers Reed.

Third, a copy of John's will, dated April 21, 1770, included the names of his and Gertrude's children, wrote extensively about Susanna, and signed by Bowers Reed.

Fourth, an Inquisition by the State of New Jersey, Middlesex County, included notes about John Barberie's loyalty to the King of Great Britain, dated May 28, 1778. Oliver's failure to show up in court and Inquisition, about his loyalty to the King of Great Britain, dated January 22, 1779.

The Inquisition against John Barberie and other New Jersey Loyalists was published in the New-Jersey Gazette in 1779, it included a notice of sale for their land, tenements, and real estate.
Bill of Lumber and Notes on Enslaved People

John Kean
c. 1780-1789

Recto: the top is labeled A Bill of Lumber, presumably in John Kean's handwriting. There are products and measurements, including palmetto logs, window frames, doors, joists, rafters, shingles, and more.

Verso: notes on Enslaved People, tallies of people remaining, sold, born, left, or dead. The following names and numbers are included: 1. Scipio, 2. Clarinda, 3. Flora (2 born), 4. Phillis, 5. Dinah (2 born), 6. Sam, 7. Abram, 8. Phebe, 9. Cloe (1 born), 10. Tisse, 11. Grace (4 born), 12. Ph…. (1 born), 13. Patty, 14. Cretia, 15. Will, 16. Dye.

Calculations are on the recto and verso.
John Kean to Susan Kean, April 14-18, 1788

John Kean
April 14-18, 1788

John Kean wrote from Berkshire to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. Silk had settled on John's lands in Berkshire, where John was attempting to sell his stocks. He wrote out a list of all the crops and animals Silk was raising at the plantation. He also wrote about his different fruit trees and lamented that the cold killed the orange trees. John planned to sell all of his land in Berkshire, except what Silk was settled on to pay off his English debt. He wrote that he wasted 10 years of 60 enslaved person's labor in indigo that did not take. John was elected to the Constitutional Convention which would begin in May.
John Kean to Susan Kean, April 23-26 , 1788

John Kean
April 23- April 26, 1788

John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included.He wrote that they are having unusually cold weather which will not be good for the indigo crop. In the part written on April 23, John said he was going to Hilton Head to check the orchard. He returned on April 26 and resumed the letter. He said that many of his trees had been damaged and his peach trees would suffer from the drought. Many new babies had been born recently Mrs. Cuthherb, Mrs. General Barnwell, Mrs. Stuart, and Mrs. William Elliot all recently had children.
John Kean to Susan Kean, April 29- May 1, 1788

John Kean
April 29- May 1, 1788

John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote that he was sending Susan some money via Alexander Chisolm and that Wilcox would owe him more when he arrived in New York. He had sold much of his useless livestock and said what was left should be good. He decided not to sell any of his land until after the new constitution was put into place. He believed that a few years of peace under the new government would raise the value of land. There is still a drought going on and he wanted to hear news of Susan and Peter.
John Kean to Susan Kean, December 25, 1787

John Kean
December 25, 1787- January 7, 1878

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. The letter was written in three parts from December 25, January 3, and January 7. In the first part he wrote up the holiday and mentioned how enslaved people get three days off to celebrate. In the second part he wrote that he had written to Elizabeth Otto and Lewis William Otto, Susan's sister and brother-in-law and that he hoped to hear from them. He also talked about one of his enslaved men Cesar and discussed paying bonds. In the last part he mentioned that he had not yet heard from Mr. Houston, Mary, Betsey.
John Kean to Susan Kean, January 27-February 7, 1788

John Kean
January 27-February 7, 1788

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. The letter has four dates January 27, January 30, February 3, and February 7. John was anxious to hear from Susan and when her letters did arrive he was relieved. He would write to Peter Van Brugh Livingston and Lewis William Otto, but he did not know what to say. His health had not been very good due to the cold. On the 7th he wrote that today should be the day Susan gives birth and expressed his hopes and fears.
John Kean to Susan Kean, March 13-16, 1788

John Kean
March 13-16, 1788

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. the letter is written over two days March 13 and March 16. He had been participating in sporting events with Mr. Sol and others. When looking at old letters he found one from Lewis William Otto where he shared his excitement over being married (Lewis William Otto to John Kean, March 18, 1787). John hoped he would never have to experience losing his wife. Mrs. Gough had gotten some orange, shaddock, and citrons trees, as well as flowers for John's garden. He remarked that since his arrival two of his enslaved women had given birth to baby boys.
John Kean to Susan Kean, March 25-27, 1788

John Kean
Mrch 25-27, 1788

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote bout how he missed her and had not received any letters from her. He then mentioned having purchased land in South Carolina for her under John Rutherfurd's name. He wanted to sell some land to pay his debts, the most pressing being the estate debt owed to his sister, Jane Corvaisier. He inquired about Mr. Parker and said that he would be heading to Georgia.
John Kean to Susan Kean, March 30- April 1, 1788

John Kean
March 30- April 1, 1788

John Kean wrote from Savannah to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. His friend Schermerhorn was traveling up to New York and agreed to take this letter. John visited his nieces Mary and Eliza Houstoun. He is staying in Savannah with his friend John Habersham and his wife. His other friend Stephens is ill and John would have to visit him again before returning to New York. He planned on returning to Beaufort on April 5, as April 11 was when delegates to the Constitutional Convention were to be elected.
John Kean to Susan Kean, May 14-15, 1788

John Kean
May 14- May 15, 1788

John Kean wrote from Charleston to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote he was traveling north. The Constitutional Convention would meet from 9 am -4 pm. He wrote he was very concerned about the debt of South Carolina and that there were many different opinions between the states. He thanked her for sending his letter to Lewis William Otto and said he was sending jonquil and birds, similar to those he sent to Madame De La Forest.
Eliza Livingston to Susan Livingston

Elizabeth Livingston
between 1783-1786

Eliza wrote to her sister, Susan, addressed to No. 3 Hanover Square, NY about her travels and heartache. Names included: Hanger, Billy, Chevalier [Joseph] de l'Espine, the Ministers, Otto, Marbois and Collot, Lomany.
Eliza Livingston to Susan Livingston

Elizabeth Livingston
August 19, before 1786

Eliza wrote to her sister, Susan, addressed No. 3 Hanover Square, NY, while she travels. There are many updates on friends, some intentionally vague. Names included: Walton family, Mrs. Brebner, Miss Van Berckel, Margaretta, Baron Stenben, John L., the nuptials of Reed and Kelly, Eliza McEvers, Mr. Gardoqui, Mr. Ball, Mrs. Bourdieu, Kean, Nancy, Peggy M. Bayards, Mr. Sylvester and wife, Lydia Vos Berough, Wetherspoon, R- "I suppose I have lost forever," and a long list of people she asks Susan to remember on her behalf.
Eliza Livingston to Susan Livingston

Elizabeth Livingston
before 1786

Eliza wrote to Susan, addessed to No. 3 Hanover Square, New York, about her travels to Kinderhook, NY. Names include: Lydia Vos Berough, Mr. Sylvester and his son, Mrs. V, Mr. Cruger, Mr. D. van Schaack, Mrs. J. Stiles and sister H. Tuttle, Mrs. Kenny, P. Arnold, Ford, Aunt Lawrence, and Peggy.
Eliza Livingston to Susan Livingston

Elizabeth Livingston
before 1786

Eliza wrote to her sister, Susan, addressed to 3 Hanover Square, New York about her travels. Names included: Jubert, Lewis William, Philiippina, Theresa, Otto, Peter, sister L. Mary, and Vining. Eliza says to address future letters to "Uncles or cousins Livingston."
Margaret Livingston to John Kean, 1788

Margaret Livingston
Early 1788

Margaret Livingston wrote from Clermont to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. She congratualted him on the birth of his son, Peter Kean and talked about how divided different areas of New York were over the new Constitution. She sent John three green gage trees and a peach tree. Margaret was the daughter-in-law to John's wife, Susan Kean's, great uncle Robert Livingston.
Peter Van Brugh Livingston to John Kean, January 3, 1789 and January 6, 1789

Peter Van Brugh Livingston
January 3, 1789 and January 6, 1789

Peter Van Brugh Livingston wrote from Abysinia to John Kean, his son-in-law, addressed to Beaufort, to the care of Mr. Alexander Chisholm, Merchant in Charles Town. He wrote in answer to several letters sent by John. He wrote that he passed the money he sent to Mr. De LaForest and said he was grateful to Dr. Ramsay for taking care of John and his wife Susan when they were sick. Robert Barnwell was on his way to New York from Philadelphia and stayed with the family for a couple days. He would return to New York with Major Franks and Mr. Dawson the next day. Elizabeth Livingston, Peter's wife, had been confined to her room after a paralytic attack. Lewis William Otto was also staying with the family.
No. 3, Office of Finance, between 1782-1783

Robert Morris, William Duer, and United States Superintendent of Finance
between June 10, 1782 and May 16, 1783

The top of the document is labeled "No. 3." It includes copies of four letters written from the Office of Finance about the cost of the American Revolution. It likely belonged to John Kean. Details about the copies: George Abbot Hall, Receiver for South Carolina, June 10, 1782, no signature. September 11, 1782, no signature. January 22, 1783, signed by R. [Robert] Morris. May 16, 1783, signed by Wm [William] Duer, Secretary.
Receipt, November 17, 1789

11-17-1789

Recipient unknown, but possibly belonged to John Kean. Included the following, with values: William Norton receipt, William H. Wigg for two enslaved women: May and Cloe, Richard Ellis Ser [Service] Bond, Verdict, Difference, and Interest.
Robert Barnwell to John Kean, April 19, 1789

Robert Barnwell
04-19-1789

Robert wrote to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. Names included: Saltus, Edward (Robert's brother), and his (unnamed) sister who recently died. Robert writes about the Ratification of the Constitution, the appointment of George Washington as President, the expected festivities in New York for the inauguration, and his comments on the new government.
Robert Barnwell to John Kean, circa December 1789

Robert Barnwell
circa December 1789

Robert Barnwell wrote to John Kean, unaddressed. Barnwell informed Kean that they were busy in their melancholy preparations for the “Columbia penance” and believed he would set out for Columbia in a fortnight. Most inconvenient will be the tax bill and an Act respecting their paper medium. Did not doubt that the general want of accommodation will cause the investigation of private businesses. The Act would be an installment of the debt and make one-third payable while the remainder would be payable for the ensuing years. Mr. Geurard took his disposition to the “land of shades.” He was on his way to Charleston and was taken with an apoplexy and died within a few minutes. Maj. Wigg got married. Barnwell’s brother, John, and R. Elliott intended to live in Beaufort with Jacob Deveraux who also spoke of moving there. Barnwell’s mother returned her thanks for the apples. Compliments to Mrs. Kean, Peter, and all of their New York and New Jersey friends.
Robert Barnwell to John Kean, December 24, 1789

Robert Barnwell
12-24-1789

Robert Barnwell wrote to John Kean, Commissioner of Accounts, addressed to New York, NY. He wrote that a filly of John's on Paris Island was of no use. With his permission Robert would send her to his brother (possibly John Barnwell) on his own account.
Robert Barnwell to John Kean, November 20, 1789

Robert Barnwell
11-20-1789

Robert Barnwell wrote from Beaufort to John Kean, addressed to New York. In the opening of the letter he mentioned a favor he had requested in a previous letter. In the rest, he largely wrote about plantation life and crops, specifically indigo, corn, and potatoes. He wrote that she sold several enslaved people, Prim, Wally, Limshour (?), Amelie, and Nago (?), as John instructed and lists their names and the sale price. He also mentioned having to get shoes for enslaved people. In the second half of the letter he wrote about politics and a matter involving his brother, John Barnwell. It appears there are some missing pages between pages 4 and 5 of the letter.

People Included: Susan Kean, Major W. Elliott, D. Pringle, T. Tailbird, George Heipp, Jacob Greenard, Banjamin Reynolds, John Cob, Elizabeth Gough, Polly Gough, James Ricketts, Sarah Ricketts, Nancy Bayard, Betsey Bayard, Miss Griffin, William Wilkie, Stoney, Captain Elliott, G. Charleston, and Desaupare.

Places Included: Charleston, SC, Hilton Head, and Paris Island.
Robert Barnwell to Unknown Person, April 19, 1789

Robert Barnwell
04-19-1789

Robert Barnwell wrote from New York to an Unknown Person, address not included. The letter here is copied from part of another letter sent by Barnwell to another unknown person. Barnwell wrote that his greatest hope along with the ratification of the Constitution was that George Washington was unanimously elected President and accept the position. Now that that had happened he described the plans that had been made for Washington's arrival in New York.