Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

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  Herman LeRoy to Susan Kean, January 21, 1799

  Herman LeRoy

  1799-01-21
  

  Herman LeRoy wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. LeRoy informed Susan that he had a conversation with her brother (Philip Livingston) regarding the investment of money that Susan had lying unemployed. LeRoy explained that the new loan scheduled to open on the 28^th of February for 5 million dollars of 8 Act Annuities promised to employ money safely. The high-interest rate, LeRoy considered, would make foreigners purchasers. Although the idea was tempting, he would not advise anyone to put all of their money in it. If Susan wanted to become a subscriber to the loan, she would have to send her money to her friend in Philadelphia who would manage it for her.

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  Herman LeRoy to Susan Kean, July 31, 1799

  Herman LeRoy

  1799-07-31
  

  Herman LeRoy wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. LeRoy informed Susan that Robinson’s acceptance was punctually paid. He would remember his promise to Susan the moment they put another vessel in the India Trade. Their views were always set towards China but a suitable vessel had yet to be found, even an indifferent one cost a mint of money. LeRoy felt it necessary to begin calculating a Peace Trade. Mentioned in the postscript that the reports of the fever were exaggerated. No more than four died from it and six were sick. New York had never been healthier.

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  Herman LeRoy to Susan Kean, May 3, 1799

  Herman LeRoy

  1799-05-03
  

  Herman LeRoy wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. LeRoy informed Susan that the Manhattan Company’s proceedings had been enveloped in mystery. Her brother, Philip Livingston, subscribed to 1000 shares but was entitled to only 26, yet he understood each director had 1000. If Susan insisted on subscribing to them, her brother would spare his 26 shares for her, but LeRoy felt she was better off without subscribing to the Manhattan Company. The mechanics who subscribed will have trouble making their second payment and the monied people of the city were universally opposed to the company.

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  Herman LeRoy to Susan Kean, November 22, 1799

  Herman LeRoy

  1799-11-22
  

  Herman LeRoy wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. LeRoy informed Susan that he received her power of attorney but it was missing a stamp. Advised Susan to wait until the opening of Congress before she sold anything or made further investments because it was probable that the government would want more money. Picter planned to endorse the 8 percent when the residue was funded in Susan’s name. Enclosed the certificates of the 8 percent that were already standing in Susan’s name as per a note at the bottom.

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  Herman LeRoy to Susan Kean, October 11, 1799

  Herman LeRoy

  1799-10-11
  

  Herman LeRoy wrote from Greenwich, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. LeRoy acknowledged the receipt of Susan’s letter and discussed her 8 percent in shares. He enclosed a model of a Power that she could execute in front of one of the justices if a notary was unavailable.

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  Herman LeRoy to Susan Kean, October 31, 1799

  Herman LeRoy

  1799-10-31
  

  Herman LeRoy wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. LeRoy informed Susan that her 8 percent was in Picter’s name. The certificates could not be issued in her name, they needed to be endorsed. If Picter expected to be in town before December 15, it would be time for him to fund them and Susan could then receive the dividend in January.

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  Herman LeRoy to Susan Kean, September 9, 1799

  Herman LeRoy

  1799-09-09
  

  Herman LeRoy wrote from Greenwich, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. LeRoy informed Susan that another installment was paid upon her eight percent. Afterward, that portion would be funded and Susan would receive the dividend. He and his wife were with friends in Greenwich in the hopes of being out of reach of the yellow fever that plagued the city.

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  Mary Livingston to Susan Kean, January 3, 1799

  Mary Livingston

  01-03-1799
  

  Mary Livingston wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean, unaddressed. Mary informed her aunt, Susan of her activities, which included visiting Mrs. Church and Miss VanderHenvel. Mary included a postscript written entirely in French. She asked that Peter write her a small letter in French.

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  Philip Livingston to Susan Kean, January 15, 1799

  Philip Livingston

  1799-01-15
  

  Philip Livingston wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Livingston informed Susan that he received the Chancellor’s Order to touch the money. After some difficulties with Brown’s agent, Livingston brought the matter to a crisis and threatened to take the land at his bid at the auction unless Brown’s agent paid in cash to the Master in Chancery. Brown offered a mixture of cash and notes and Livingston consented. The Chancellor did not order him in full interest on the debt, but Livingston’s counsel advised him that when the Chancellor came to town, he would be able to obtain it. Livingston accepted Bills of Exchange from LeRoy & Bayard that were drawn by young Wallace and Moses from India payable in London. Livingston mentioned their ship and cargo were fully insured and he expected the cargo to be valuable. With regard to Susan’s money, Livingston was unsure how to advise her and suggested she either put interest upon good security or purchase Bank Stocks. Livingston enquired about Peter’s lot in Philadelphia and Morris’s Land Company to Le Roy and others and he was unable to get information.

  People mentioned: Robert Morris (1734-1806), Herman Le Roy (1758-1841), William Bayard Jr. (1761-1826)

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  Philip Livingston to Susan Kean, January 25, 1799

  Philip Livingston

  1799-01-25
  

  Philip Livingston wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Livingston informed Susan that he was taken ill and obliged to remain in bed for three or four days. He settled with John Brown’s agent and received Greenleaf’s debt in cash. Asked Susan how she wanted her money invested, whether in the new loan, other funds, part on interest in the new loan, or part on interest in the land security. Thanked Susan for the recipe for the balm of life. Includes an embroidery pattern drawn on the third page of the manuscript.

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  Philip Livingston to Susan Kean, January 4, 1799

  Philip Livingston

  01-04-1799
  

  Philip Livingston wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Livingston informed his sister Susan that his wife had fallen ill on the evening of Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts’ arrival and he called a physician to see her at one in the morning. The physician bled her and administered Laudanum and she was recovering. Livingston received the master in chancery to sell the mortgaged lands at auction. He bid up to the amount of the debt and then an agent of John Brown bid something over Livingston. Brown became the purchaser and was going to deposit the money in the Court of Chancery. Livingston had to acquire an order from the Chancellor to the Master to pay the funds to him before he could receive it. Hoped the agent paid the money into court, otherwise, Livingston would either have to take the lands for debt or have them sold over again. Supposed Susan would rather have income than land but requested she let him know her wishes. Also discussed Susan’s plans for the Philadelphia lot and Morris’s Land, and enclosed an extract respecting a bill.

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  Philip Livingston to Susan Kean, January 8, 1799

  Philip Livingston

  1799-01-08
  

  Philip Livingston wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Livingston informed Susan that if he received the Chancellor’s Order, he had some hope that he would get to touch the money that was owed by John Brown. He asked Susan to respond to his last letter and let him know where she wished to invest her portion. If she needed money, Livingston reiterated that Susan should not hesitate to ask him for it. Mr. and Mrs. R were staying with Livingston and his wife. He wished Susan would stay with them as well. Was unable to procure information respecting the lot that belonged to Peter in Philadelphia nor the shares in Mr. Morris’s and Company. Expected John Laurence, their Senator, to arrive any day. Livingston added a note dated January 9^th where he informed Susan that Greenleaf’s money was not yet paid and he thought John Brown’s agent was shuffling to gain time. As soon as he received the Chancellor’s Order, he would compel him to either pay him or get the Master to give him the deed for the land.

  Names mentioned: John Brown, Robert Morris (1734 – 1806), John Laurence (1750 – 1810), James Greenleaf (1765 - 1843)

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  Philip Livingston to Susan Kean, March 1, 1799

  Philip Livingston

  1799-03-01
  

  The following document is a receipt of accounts between Philip Livingston and Susan Livingston. Includes National Bank Shares.

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  Philip Livingston to Susan Kean, August, 1799

  Philip Peter Livingston

  August 1799 and September 5, 1799
  

  Philip Livingston wrote from New York to Susan Kean, his sister, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. He wrote that he was glad Peter Kean's health had improved. Susan had previously asked about real property values in Philadelphia and her brother said that they had gone down because of the Yellow Fever and to sell in the winter was the best idea. Mr. Shipman said that John Kean's Estate was indebted to Philip, but he said that was wrong.

  People Included: Mr. Burrall and Jus. Rutherfurd

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  Philip Livingston to Susan Kean, March 27, 1799

  Philip Peter Livingston

  02-27-1799
  

  Philip Livingston wrote to Susan Kean, his sister, address not included. He wrote that he was still unwell, but had hoped Susan would have called on his wife, Cornelia Livingston. A broker had reached out to him about land in South Carolina and said that if Susan understood the information and thought it was good they would invest. He also mentioned the South Carolina war debt that was partially held by LeRoy and Bayard.

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  A. Mayo to Susan Kean, May 25, 1799

  A. Mayo

  1799-05-25
  

  A. Mayo wrote from Richmond, Virginia to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey (addressed “I hope in New York but perhaps in Elizabethtown”). Mayo informed Susan that Mr. Ralph Wormeley of Rosegill, Virginia was en route to Boston with his son and would be staying in New York for a short period of time. If Susan was in town, he asked that she introduce Wormeley to the best people in the city. Wormeley was a gentleman and came from a distinguished family in Virginia.

  People mentionedL Ralph Wormeley, Peter Kean, and Edward Mayo

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  George Meade to Susan Kean, July 29, 1799

  George Meade

  1799-07-29
  

  George Meade wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey.

  Meade informed Susan that he had not written to her in a while concerning the watercourse. Mr. Willing proposed that this business be referred to three indifferent people, he had given Mr. Willing and Dr. Rush 25 people to choose from. Dr. Rush refused and said a legal decision needed to be made. If Susan had her yard properly leveled, the water from Meade’s yard would pass through Susan’s yard into the watercourse. Meade could not raise his yard because of the damage his house already endured.

  People mentioned: Mr. Willing and Dr. Benjamin Rush

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  Julian Niemcewicz to Susan Kean, August 10, 1799

  Julian Niemcewicz

  08-10-1799
  

  Julian Niemcewicz in New York, NY wrote to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, NJ. He began the letter by apologizing to Susan for not speaking with her before his departure, but had hoped to make it up to her by sending this dispatch out as soon as he could. His first order of business upon making it to the city was inquiring about the death of a friend. He claimed that he was planning to meet with a lady from "the Havannas" (most likely the area of modern day Cuba) who had saw Julian's friend three days before he passed away. Additionally, he informed Susan on the various people he had the opportunity of meeting with and ended the letter by asking if she had found a house to purchase yet.

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  Julian Niemcewicz to Susan Kean, August 14, 1799

  Julian Niemcewicz

  08-14-1799
  

  Julian Niemcewicz in New York, NY wrote to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, NJ. In this letter he informed her on the various people he had met with and updated her on gossip pertaining to certain individuals. Additionally, he left a postscript message at the bottom of the page which explained how he had exchanged some books and acquired some titles Susan would be interested in.

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  Julian Niemcewicz to Susan Kean, July 17, 1799

  Julian Niemcewicz

  07-17-1799
  

  Julian Niemcewicz wrote to Susan Kean, addressed to Elizabethtown, NJ. He was extremely concerned about her health and explained how if he could not find a companinon to take the trip with him up to Niagra he would come to back to see her in New Jersey.

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  Julian Niemcewicz to Susan Kean, July 8, 1799

  Julian Niemcewicz

  07-08-1799
  

  Julian Niemcewicz wrote from Philadelphia, PA to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, NJ. He explained how he was feeling uneasy after recieving news that Susan was unwell in the last letter she sent him. In addition, he had not heard from his family in Europe for sometime now and it was weighing on his conscious a great deal. At the end of the letter he wrote about his growing love for nature and how the more time he spent there the more he started to dislike the cities.

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  Julian Niemcewicz to Susan Kean, June 17, 1799

  Julian Niemcewicz

  06-17-1799
  

  Julian Niemcewicz wrote from an unspecified location in lower New Jersey to Susan Kean, in Elizabethtown, NJ. Susan had experienced a loss of a friend and much of the first page pertained to this as Julian tried to consolidate her with his kind words. The next two pages dealt mostly with the travels he embarked on and planned.

  Places mentioned: Philadelphia, Havana, Elizabethtown

  People mentioned: Mr.Boudinot, Mrs. Perovany, Elias Dayton, Peter Kean

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  Julian Niemcewicz to Susan Kean, May 28, 1799

  Julian Niemcewicz

  05-28-1799
  

  Julian Niemcewicz in Philadelphia, PA wrote to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, NJ. He explained to Susan how he spent much of his time in the morning and evenings collecting various plants. Also, he discussed how he found species of plants along the bank of the Delaware River that were not present in Philadelphia since the cattle there destroyed much of the vegetation in and around the city. Later in the letter he informed Susan that he was considering taking a trip up to Canada, however, if the paperwork proved to make it too difficult, he would settle with just going to Niagara instead. Additionally, he apologized for not writing back to Susan's son, Peter, and sent his best wishes to some of their mutual friends back in Elizabethtown.

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  Julian Niemcewicz to Susan kean, November 23, 1799

  Julian Niemcewicz

  11-23-1799
  

  Julian Niemcewicz wrote from Rose Hill, NY to Susan Kean, addressed to Elizabethtown, NJ. Julian and Susan's son, Peter, traveled together so he began with details pertaining to their most recent voyage. While in New York City Julian explained how he had given Peter immense amounts of freedom to explore on his own. He informed Susan that some of his friends wished for him to stay a few more days longer, but he preferred to come back to Elizabethtown by Monday to see her once again and bring Peter home.

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  Julian Niemcewicz to Peter Kean, August 10, 1799

  Julian U. Niemcewicz

  08-10-1799
  

  Julian Niemcewicz wrote to Peter Kean, addressed to Elizabethtown, NJ. He explained that he had forgot his keys after leaving town in a hurry and requested if Peter could retrieve them. More specifically, he told Peter the keys would be found in the pocket of his nankeen jacket. While Julian's location is not specified from this letter, his whereabouts can be narrowed down to the southern New Jersey area from the writings in his memoirs, Under Their Vine and Fig Tree.