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  Elizabeth Gough to Susan Kean, March 15, 1791

  Elizabeth Gough

  03-15-1791
  

  Elizabeth wrote to Susan, addressed to Philadelphia, about life in Beaufort since Susan left. Names include Robert Barnwell (her brother), Mrs. Porteon and her twins (details of her illness, miscarriage, and death), Maria, Polly, Mr. Izard, Mr. Middleton, Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Smith (robbed), Susan's brother (Philip or Peter, who recently married).

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  Elizabeth Gough to Susan Kean, September 21, 1791

  Elizabeth Gough

  09-21-1791
  

  Elizabeth wrote to Susan, address not included, updating her about life in Beaufort, SC. Many people are unwell. Names include: Dr. Child, Mrs. Managantt, Capt. Saltas, Mr. Godin, her brother Edward, Mr. Gearard's family, Polly Rospel, Mr. Ders (dead), Mrs. Wilcox, Mr. Lews, Mrs. Cuthbert, and more. Elizabeth heard Susan's husband John will leave all his possessions in South Carolina and that Susan's Uncle died. Elizabeth sent flower roots and will send more when she can.

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  Eliza Gough to Susan Kean, April 15, 1791

  Elizabeth Gough

  04-15-1791
  

  Eliza wrote to Susan, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Eliza relayed her personal struggles and love for her daughter, Marianna Barnwell Gough [later Smith]. Eliza worried that Marianna would inherit her "constitution." She sent Marianna to Charleston and was distressed to learn that Marianna attended 7 balls in 3 weeks. Polly delivered a message that Miss Polly Ronpell is very sick. Eliza's mother is also sick (asthma and cough) and the changes in weather don't help. Mr. Cuthlon [?] moved for the fall season. Eliza described her increased anxiety since she turned 18 years old.

  Eliza updated Susan on her former garden in Beaufort: Dr. Stuart left in the winter and there was a gap before Mr. R. Elliott moved into the house. During that time, fierce winds blew down a fence. Cattle entered and ate the garden for 10 days. "Scarcely an herb left and the fruit trees much injured, the flower garden is truly a shrubbery of weeds, thistles, and briers."

  Eliza is concerned about Polly and Violet, enslaved women who may have formerly been owned by John Kean. Mrs. Antony keeps a small school and offered to take Polly for 3 years. Eliza wants to know Susan's decision. Eliza says Violet isn't fit for the fields.

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  Eliza Gough to Susan Kean, January 11, 1791

  Elizabeth Gough

  01-11-1791
  

  Eliza wrote from South Carolina, to Susan, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Eliza finished a 3-week confinement, she described herself as incapable of reading, writing, or working, with no appetite and her spirits depressed. Her one blessing was her attentive daughter. Eliza described a snowstorm, the first in 25 years. All families were affected by influenza, "among Whites it has been severe; among the Blacks, fatal." She listed the enslaved people who died: Nath, Caliph, Hector (her brother's driver), his brother, and two others. Eliza expects John Kean will "regret the death of Caliph, he was a faithful slave." Sam reported 12 were sick at Paris's. Eliza describes symptoms. “There is no appearance of Fortunes being made: but by Lawyers and Doctors: I do not know which of the Evils is the least.”

  Names included: Daniel John Green, Mr. Fitzsimmons, Ellis, Mrs. Nathaniel Barnwell (died December 5, 1790), Mrs. Cuthbert, Nathaniel Cuthbert (dead), and Mary (dancing alone to keep healthy).

  Place mentioned: Prince Williams.

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  Eliza Gough to Susan Kean, May 10, 1791

  Elizabeth Gough

  05-10-1791
  

  Eliza wrote from Beaufort, SC, to Susan, address not included. William Barnwell went to Yale College. She wished she wrote as eloquently as Madame de Sevigne. Her brother "R" intended to study law in Charleston, rather than be a "planter." Eliza feels unwell after nursing Mrs. Cuthbert's newborn son. Her daughter's health is improving. The President [George Washington] left Charleston, SC. She described Beaufort as empty of people and vessels. Maria hoped to see him [unclear if it's her Uncle or the President] and have a ballon sent to her. Mrs. G will take Polly to Raplmonde [Roupelmond]. "Mr. Kean's driver Sam, sent the tenth of last month to inform me in my brother's absence that they had not a fortnight provisions... My brother John... found they had six weeks, if not two months provision." Names included: Marianna(daughter), Dr. Campbell, Mr. Wilcox, Mr. Sholebred [later, Sholbred], Mr. and Mrs. Garden, Mr. Gibbes, Miss Roupel, John Barnwell (her brother), and the Elliotts.

  Enslaved People: Polly and Sam, Mr. Kean's driver.

  This letter is incomplete and ends mid-sentence.

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  John Faucheraud Grimke to John Kean, April 15, 1790

  John Faucheraud Grimke

  04-15-1791
  

  Grimke wrote to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Grimke updated Kean on business: Wilkie (Indents and indigo), Aithen (paid), certificates to be subscribed, a letter received from Thomas Shubrick included updates on the following accounts: Samual Grove, Edward Davies, Box and Lavien, with Thomas Shubrick and Shubrick and Clempson.

  Grimke is "mortified that [Aedanus] Burke has not returned" to office. Grimke doesn't expect to see President George Washington on his Southern Tour of 1791, and he doubts he'll get the office he wants to hold [possibly Supreme or local Court Justice]. Grimke thanked John for his efforts related to being a Judge and others: William Smith, Mr. Izard, Mr. J. [John] Rutledge, and at the end of the letter, Theus.

  He commented on Rhode Island, an Indian Expedition (to civilize and incorporate Native Americans into American society). He talked at great length about his father, recently deceased, who cut Grimke out of his will while he was Northward (Rhode Island, New York). Grimke received a letter from Mr. Smith and will follow his advice.

  Grimke's son, Tom, asks if Peter wears breeches.

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  John Faucheraud Grimke to John Kean, November 4, 1791

  John Faucheraud Grimke

  11-11-1791
  

  Grimke wrote to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Grimke called on Richard Shubrick (of Shubrick and Clempson) and his attorney Mr. Ward. Shubrick was open to negotiate with John Kean about the debt that belonged to Grove and Company. Grimke requested John's thoughts on the matter. A letter from John was misplaced. Grimke began a circuit that will finish in early December.

  Names included: Robert Barnwell, John Gibbes and his servant (who delivered a letter), T. Shubrick, Mrs. Ramadge, R. Smith.

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  John Faucheraud Grimke to John Kean, October 11, 1791

  John Faucheraud Grimke

  10-11-1791
  

  John Faucheraud Grimke wrote to John Kean, no address. The top of the page was labeled "2." Subscribers met and elected a President, Directors, and Cashier for a South Carolina bank, in case one was created in that state. Aither [?] was ready to perform his contract. A bill of exchange was enclosed [not present]. Mrs. G [Grimke] was ill. Their children, John and Tom, sent messages to John's son Peter.

  Grimke wrote about the sale of indents, shares in the manufacturing scheme (consider rope and cotton wear with cotton or hemp), Santee Canal Company (Grimke manages John's 5 shares).

  Name included: Neufuille.

  Bank election: President: Daniel DeSaussure, Cashier: Josiah Smith, Directors: J.F. Grimke, R. Lawndes, H. Laurents, E. Rutlege, D. Ramsay, T. Jones, N. Russal, E. Darrel, R. Hazlehurst, - Gilehrist, W. Thayer, A. Vanderhorst.

  A copy recent deeds, people included: John Kean vs. J.L. Baunquin; Jacob Read, Peter Lavien vs. David Tubly; Mr. Clark (on behalf of Mr. Tubly).

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  John Faucheraud Grimke with John Kean, November 1, 1791

  John Faucheraud Grimke

  11-01-1791
  

  A receipt from Grimke to John Kean for £70, written by Roger Smith.

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  Ralph Izard to John Kean, November 11, 1791

  Ralph Izard

  11-07-1791
  

  Ralph Izard wrote to John Kean, no address, but likely Philadelphia, PA. He planned to meet John the next morning, to discuss a topic not included.

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  John Kean to John Faucheraud Grimke, September 26, 1791

  John Kean

  09-26-1791
  

  This is a copy of a letter John wrote to Grimke. John wrote a very thorough explanation about the debt he acquired via Shubrick and Clempson related to the following: Grove and Davies, Box Lavien and Company, and Peter Lavien and Company. He explained at lenght why the amount due was unfair and unreasonable for him to pay.

  Details included: Peter Lavien died in John Kean's house in Beaufort, SC; the Brig William, John Mercier master, on its way to England was stopped in South Carolina and the property was withheld; Race Horse (a ship); Sunbury, Barbados, freight; rice and indigo; forced to accept land as payment; the accounts of Neufuille and Rolleston.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, August 16, 1791

  John Kean

  08-16-1791
  

  John wrote to his wife, Susan, who was located in Amboy, NJ (based on context). John described the people on his stagecoach ride to Philadephia, PA: Mr. Ricketts, Mr. and Mrs. Cramond, an Irish doctor from Georgia, German bakers, servants, Molly McCall and her brother (with lots of luggage). Upon his return, he visited the Chews (Sophia is better) and Alexander Hamilton (in bed). Betsey wasn't home.

  John describes a drop in the price of scrip (stock for the newly formed Bank of the United States) and the impact on buyers, particularly Duer, Brockholst, and New Yorkers in general.

  John updated the on three Frenchmen: [Jean-Baptiste] Ternant was at the residence of [Louis-Guillaume] Otto. De Laforest [de La Forest] visited to look for a house (possibly Franklin's or Pleasant's).

  Other people mentioned: Miss Abby Willing, Bingham's family, Mifflin, H. Izard.

  He finished with a reminder that they are to "think of each other" at 9 pm, he purchased winter wood (to fertilize the garden), and mosquitoes buzzed at night.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, August 19, 1791

  John Kean

  08-19-1791
  

  John wrote to his wife, Susan, addressed to Perth Amboy (to be left at Woodbridge, NJ). She was traveling to New York, NY.

  A house and lot are for sale on Market Street in Philadelphia, PA, located a little higher than the President's house. He wants to know if Susan wants to live there.

  People included: H. Izard, Mr. and Mrs. Otto (dined at Governor Thomas Mifflins's house), Mrs. Bingham (summered in Blackpoint, hands move like Mrs. T.S.) Mr. Ternant (Landsdowne), and Mrs. Budden.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, August 21, 1791

  John Kean

  08-21-1791
  

  John wrote to his wife, Susan, address not included. Names included: Major Butler, Mr. Ternank, Mrs. Buddens, Mr. Dunlap, Mr. Otto, Mr. DeLibbert, W. Smith of South Carolina, John Rutherford, The Chews and Sophia, George A. Hall, Grimke, Alexander Hamilton, Woolech, Susan's brother, and enslaved people Celia, Sarah, Jacob, Billy, Daphne. He told Susan not to expose herself to the Staten Island sun "because it does not agree with her." He has more servants than he knows how to employ. He plans to dine at headquarters Thursday, where he expects to get all the news. Hamilton thinks Woolech is "in a bad way and is afraid he will lose him."

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, August 26, 1791

  John Kean

  08-26-1791
  

  John wrote to his wife, Susan, staying with her brother in New York, NY (based on letter context). John can't pay for Susan and Peter's return journey to Philadelphia, PA. He asked Susan for suggestions: Evan's house rent, property in Philadelphia (Cortland Street, Broad Street, White's house), talk to Osgood and John Rutherfurd.

  John wanted Susan's brother, father, or Robert Barnwell to buy Paris Island, SC. He wanted to secure Peter's financial future.

  John flattered by the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Shippen. Mr. Ramsey may buy Spermaceti candles, tallow candles, and butter.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, August 27, 1791

  John Kean

  08-27-1791
  

  John wrote to his wife, Susan, addressed to New York, at Philip Livingston, Broadway, New York, NY. John's glad Susan's brother was her trustee. If she wants a house purchased in her name, her brother can pay for it. John updated Susan on Georgia credit and debt.

  People included: Mrs. Knox, Mrs. Fluker, General Knox (felt better), William Stephens (lost a certificate worth $100).

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, August 29, 1791

  John Kean

  08-29-1791
  

  John wrote to his wife, Susan, addressed to.

  John acknowledged Susan's recent anxiety. John described a feud over a property deed between Mr. De La Forest and John's neighbors, the Pleasants. He said the "French economy and Quaker frugality" were not resolved and made John glad that he took his landlord's first offer.

  Mr. Bradford's new position was announced, will he be their neighbor? Mrs. Bradford and Mrs. Chew offered John food. He dined at the Presidents [George Washington], Col. H, and Mr. O's [Otto] house [he is very low on money].

  Mifflin made a speech liked by the Federalists. He hoped John Rutherford made a payment to Susan and Evans paid rent. He planned to send a scrip for Susan to sell in New York, where prices are better. John used money from Tom Mills to buy wood.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, August 31, 1791

  John Kean

  08-31-1791
  

  John wrote to his wife, Susan, address unknown, but likely New York, NY. John sent the letter to Susan via Mr. De La Forest because he was faster than the post. John spoke of very hot weather. John worried about Susan's anxiety. He was very lonely without Susan and Peter. He commented that Duer may die, rich, but at death "every body get [sic] their own." He commented on scrip and monopolizers.

  De La Forest bought a house (Spruce Street near Fitzsimmons). He alluded to "our good friend the secretary."

  John mentioned Susan's charming cousins, nieces, etc., Lady Sterling, Watts, and Duer, Aunt Lawrence, Little Peggy, Mrs. McComb, Mr. Ramsay (scrip), her brother Philip and his wife Cornelia (en bonne point and now past the age of bearing children).

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, Evening, September 2, 1791

  John Kean

  09-02-1791
  

  John wrote to his wife, Susan, no address. John suffered insomnia and got out of bed to write to Susan. Earlier, he visited the drawing-room and visited with Mrs. Shippen and Mrs. Travis. Madam [Martha] Washington and Mr. Ternant asked about Susan. John didn't see the Chews (they are "such gadabouts") or Governor Mifflin (busy with Legislation). He saw Emily once.

  John updated Susan on South Carolina and Georgia debts and bank shares. One Bank Stock set to bear interest in 1801 could pay for Peter's college tuition. Robert Barnwell will send money "so I hope we shall not absolutely starve before we die." He finished with the price of tallow candles and butter. There is no tea in the house.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, Morning, September 2, 1791

  John Kean

  09-02-1791
  

  John wrote to his wife, Susan, no address, but likely New York, NY. John was happy her brother's speculations were good. He hoped for better finances and a job to cover their costs. He went on about her father and finances.

  John received a letter from William Elliot, via Saltus, with crop updates (poor quality indigo). He described the purchase of a coachee [sic] (coach) in detail, including leather seats and Venetian blinds. He planned to take a week off and meet Susan in Elizabeth Town later that month.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, September 4, 1793

  John Kean

  09-04-1791
  

  John Kean wrote from Philadelphia, PA to his wife, Susan Kean, addressed via Mr. Philip Livingston, Broadway, New York. John mistakenly opened a box meant for Susan. It contained flower roots: jonquil [daffodil] and hyacinth, which he suggests she shares to be "civil." John describes the weather. The first cool evening of the year allowed him to sleep with a blanket. Mrs. Hamilton is "expected every day," and he is fond of her. Work is dull. John requests that his brother-in-law, Mrs. Livingston, and Cornelia visit.

  Names included: brother Livingston, Mrs. Livingston, Cornelia, Mrs. Bingham, Mrs. Hamilton [Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton], Peter Kean.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, September 6, 1791

  John Kean

  09-06-1791
  

  John wrote to his wife, Susan, address not included. He's glad she is "out of town for it has been sickly amongst the children." Names included: Foster, Grimke, Mr. and Mrs. Read, Vice-President John Adams, Mr. Bradford, Brockolst Livingston, Shubrick, Mrs. Keply, Mrs. Allen (gossip), and enslaved women Celia and Sarah. Mrs. Grimke wants common China for the afternoon tea party. He asks if Susan's brother were to purchase land that exceeds 100 or 150 acres if he can spare 50 to 10 acres for a retreat for Susan. He thinks Bush Hill will be deserted during the winter, the vice-president (John Adams) took the house in which Mr. Bradford is currently residing. The markets in Philadelphia grow higher and higher.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, September 9, 1791

  John Kean

  09-09-1791
  

  John Kean wrote from Philadelphia, PA, to his wife, Susan Kean, addressed via Mr. Philip Livingston, Broadway, New York. There's an illness in the city, but the 2 enslaved children in the house are still well. John talks emotionally about the death of children. John hopes to be hired as Cashier of the Bank of the United States at not less than $2,500.

  Names included: Mrs. Knox, Mrs. Moore (daughter died), young Marcus (dead), Mrs. Sea (2-month-old child died), Judge Shippen, and Mrs. Bayard (formerly Miss Pintard), George Washington, R.M. [Robert Morris], R.B. [Robert Barnwell?], Peter Kean.

  Places included: bush hill.

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  John Kean to William Seton, December 14, 1791

  John Kean

  12-14-1791
  

  John Kean wrote from Philadelphia, PA, addressed to William Seton, cashier of the Bank of New York. John gave instructions for an enclosed bill [no longer present]. Names included: Mr. Comfort Sands, Legare & Theus, the President [George Washington?].

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  Henry Knox to John Kean, November 7, 1791

  Henry Knox

  11-11-1791
  

  Henry Knox wrote from Philadelphia, PA, to John Kean, no address but presumably in Philadelphia, PA. Henry said John could "use his name freely" in a letter John was writing.