-
Bartholomew Corvaisier to John Kean, November 29, 1791
Bartholomew Corvaisier
11-29-1791
Bartholomew Corvaisier wrote to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA, in French. John dated on the letter verso.
-
Bartholomew Corvaisier with John Kean, December 31, 1791
Bartholomew Corvaisier
12-31-1791
This is a legal document. The verso is labeled "Warrantee, B. Corvaisier to John Kean." Bartholomew Corvaisier gave a payment of 27,000 Mexican Dollars to John Kean.
Other names included: Edward Barnwell, Robert Barnwell, Nathaniel Barnwell, Daniel Bourdeaux, Isaac Waight Jane Corvaisier.
Signed by Corvaisier in the presence of Thomas Tuder Tucker and Robert Barnwell.
This is very similar to two other legal documents of the same date.
-
Bartholomew Corvaisier with John Kean, December 31, 1791
Bartholomew Corvaisier
12-31-1791
This is a legal document. The verso is labeled "General Discharge B. Corvaisier to John Kean." Bartholomew Corvaisier received a payment of 10,000 Mexican Dollars by John Kean, to eliminate any claims that Corvaisier had against John Kean, Edward Barnwell, and Robert Barnwell.
Other names included: Nathaniel Barnwell, Daniel Bourdeaux, Isaac Waight Jane Corvaisier.
Signed by Corvaisier in the presence of Thomas Tuder Tucker and Robert Barnwell.
This is very similar to two other legal documents of the same date.
-
Bartholomew Corvaisier with Nathaniel Barnwell, Isaac Waight, and Daniel Bourdeaux for Jane Corvaisier, December 31, 1791
Bartholomew Corvaisier
12-31-1791
This is a legal document. The verso is labeled "Warrantee, B. Corvaisier to N. Barnwell, I. Waight, and D. Bourdeaux Trustees for Jane Corvaisier" Bartholomew Corvaisier gave a payment of 27,000 Mexican Dollars to Nathaniel Barnwell, Daniel Bourdeaux, and Isaac Waight.
Other names included: John Kean, Edward Barnwell, Robert Barnwell, and Jane Corvaisier.
Signed by Corvaisier in the presence of Thomas Tuder Tucker and Robert Barnwell.
This is very similar to two other legal documents of the same date.
-
Henry William DeSaussure to John Kean, October 20, 1791
Henry William DeSaussure
10-20-1791
Henry wrote to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. John's suit with General Bull was delayed. Henry enclosed a copy of evidence presented at the trial [not present] that was considered conclusive, but Henry "submitted to a nonsuit" (dismissal).
-
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).
-
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.
-
Eliza Gough to Susan Kean, 1791
Elizabeth Gough
c. 1791
Eliza Gough wrote from Beaufort to Susan Kean, addressed to Philadelphia. She wrote that John Kean, Susan's husband, could have a post for life at Northward and part her hoped he would so Susan would be closer. She mentioned the death of Mr. Eveleigh (presumably Nicholas Eveleigh who died in 1791). She had heard from someone in the neighborhood of Mr. Ropell that her daughter Polly was sick at the Ferry and sent a servant to check if it was true. Polly had a slight fever but was well and Eliza was going to get her the next day.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
John Faucheraud Grimké to John Kean, April 15, 1790
John Faucheraud Grimké
04-15-1791
Grimké wrote to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Grimké 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.
Grimké is "mortified that [Aedanus] Burke has not returned" to office. Grimké 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]. Grimké 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 Grimké out of his will while he was Northward (Rhode Island, New York). Grimké received a letter from Mr. Smith and will follow his advice.
Grimké's son, Tom, asks if Peter wears breeches.
-
John Faucheraud Grimké to John Kean, November 4, 1791
John Faucheraud Grimké
11-11-1791
Grimké wrote to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Grimké 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. Grimké requested John's thoughts on the matter. A letter from John was misplaced. Grimké 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.
-
John Faucheraud Grimké to John Kean, October 11, 1791
John Faucheraud Grimké
10-11-1791
John Faucheraud Grimké 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 [Grimké] was ill. Their children, John and Tom, sent messages to John's son Peter.
Grimké wrote about the sale of indents, shares in the manufacturing scheme (consider rope and cotton wear with cotton or hemp), Santee Canal Company (Grimké manages John's 5 shares).
Name included: Neufuille.
Bank election: President: Daniel DeSaussure, Cashier: Josiah Smith, Directors: J.F. Grimké, 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).
-
John Faucheraud Grimké with John Kean, November 1, 1791
John Faucheraud Grimké
11-01-1791
A receipt from Grimké to John Kean for £70, written by Roger Smith.
-
John Grimké to John Kean, circa July 1791
John Faucheraud Grimké
circa July 1791
John Faucheraud Grimké wrote to John Kean in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Grimké discussed certificates and mentioned that there were no indents for either Jane Grove or Bartholomew Corvaisier. Thanked Kean for the subscription business to the bank and had no objections to him making the arrangements of shares to give him the greatest number of votes. Planned to send Kean the power of acting as his proxy and a power to make the proper disposition and arrangement to give the greatest number of votes; and also, a certificate of Grimké being appointed guardian of his children. Had a meeting with the Bank Subscribers and agreed that William Smith should be their Proxy generally and in case of absence or sickness, the office would devolve upon John Kean. Asked Kean to tell Mr. Smith and Mr. Izard that he sent an order to them for his Laws and obliged them to pay. This document is undated but likely written in July 1791. See “John Faucheraud Grimké Appointed Guardian of his Children, July 29, 1791.”
-
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.
-
Mr. Jackson for Mrs. R to Susan Kean, circa 1790s
Jackson
circa 1790s
The following document is an envelope addressed to Susan Kean at Walnut Street and the Corner of Fourth Street in Philadelphia from Mr. Jackson for Mrs. R.
-
John Kean to John Faucheraud Grimké, September 26, 1791
John Kean
09-26-1791
This is a copy of a letter John wrote to Grimké. 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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, Grimké, 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."
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.