Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

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Joseph Anthony to Susannah Kean, May 9, 1791

Joseph Anthony
05-09-1791

A receipt from Joseph Anthony to Susan Kaighn [Kean] for her purchase of a pocketbook and a cream jug.
Robert Barnwell to John Kean, July 21, 1791

Robert Barnwell
07-21-1791

Robert wrote to John, no address. Robert proposed a deal to DeSeussure and D--[illegible] regarding [Barthalamew] Corvaisier's claim. Robert asked John what amount John would accept for his enslaved people and land at Paris Island. He reminded John that 2/5ths of the enslaved people are children.
Robert Barnwell to John Kean, September 3, 1791

Robert Barnwell
09-03-1791

Robert wrote to John, no address. Robert talked to John Faucheraud Grimke about John's property sale and Mr. Shubrick. Names included: Mr. Rutledge and Mr. Grove, deceased.

Robert estimated the value of John's property on Paris Island, Hilton Head, the house and lot in Beaufort, and land on the m-- [illegible]. Robert disagreed with the value of John's land and enslaved people, saying the output of the enslaved people would not cover their cost.
Isabelle Bell to Susan Kean, March 1791

Isabelle Bell
03-1791

Isabelle Bell wrote from Elizabethtown, New Jersey to Susan Kean in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bell recounted her taxing travels home to New Jersey after visiting Kean in Philadelphia. The roads were so badly flooded that a person on the strongest horse would have struggled to travel ten miles a day. If she were a Lady Montague [Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, essayist, and traveler], she would regularly recount her surroundings for Kean’s verification. Discussed news of family and friends and extended warm wishes to John and Peter Kean.
James Brown and Carter Braxton, January 6, 1791

Carter Braxton
01-06-1791

Carter Braxton wrote this receipt. James Brown received 5 pounds from Braxton.
Receipt: Ellenor Byrne to Susan Kean, March 4, 1791

Ellenor Byrne
03-04-1791

The following document is a receipt from Ellenor Byrne addressed to Susan Kean that reflects Susan's payment of twelve pounds for a set of China.
Bartholomew Corvaisier to John Kean, December 17, 1791

Bartholomew Corvaisier
12-17-1791

Bartholomew Corvaisier wrote to his brother-in-law, John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. The letter is in French. It concerns a mortgage that involves Mr. Barnwell and "biens, terre, and negres" [goods, land, and Enslaved People].
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 "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 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 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, 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 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.
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.
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).
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.
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 Grimke 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 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.