Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

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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, Grimké, 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. Grimké 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.

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  Henry Beekman Livingston to Susan Livingston Kean, May 24, 1791

  Henry Beekman Livingston

  05-24-1791
  

  Henry wrote to his cousin, Susan, addressed Philadelphia, PA. Henry asked Susan to tell Mr. McIvens the date and time of his marriage to Ann Hume [Shippen] Livingston (also known as Nancy Shippen Livingston), and the names of other people who attended the wedding, in order to help him "procure a divorce" since she is taking him to court.

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  Peter Van Brugh Livingston with John Kean, September 9, 1791

  Peter Van Brugh Livingston

  09-20-1791
  

  William Stephens acts as a Factor (agent) for John Kean in Georgia. Peter Van Brugh Livingston is concerned about a bond that "appears as a charge on my daughter" (Susan, John Kean's wife). There's a description of a farm in Georgia, near Brunswick, that Susan is interested in. Also includes a small scrap about updating John Kean's will to reflect a change to Susan's property, with the initials P.T.O.

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  Philip Livingston to John Kean, August 26, 1791

  Philip Livingston

  08-26-1791
  

  Philip wrote to his brother-in-law, John, addressed to Philadelphia, PA, Commissioner for Public Accounts. Philip thanked John for his observations about the First Bank of the United States. Scrip prices fluctuated. Philip's sister, Susan, arrived Tuesday. She planned a trip with Philip, Mrs. L, Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts to Greenburg. Philip encouraged John to join them. John's son Peter said he was a good boy and healthy.

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  Philip Livingston to John Kean, July 6, 1791

  Philip Livingston

  07-06-1791
  

  Philip wrote to his brother-in-law, John, addressed Philadelphia, PA, Commissioner of Public Accounts. Philip thanked John for securing subscriptions for him. Mr. Ricketts and Philips's father, Peter Van Brugh Livingston, sent money to subscribe in Charles Ludlow's name. The money was received by Mr. Hammond. Philip described "speculating fever."

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  Philip Livingston to John Kean, October 13, 1791

  Philip Livingston

  10-13-1791
  

  Philip wrote to his brother-in-law, John, addressed to Philadelphia, PA, Commissioner of Publick Accounts. Philip wrote about subscribers in New York electing Directors for the Bank of the United States. Scrip price rose.

  Hughe's certificates in New York are not receivable for State Lands. Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts and Mr. Jackson visited New York.

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  Philip Livingston to John Kean, December 15, 1791

  Philip Peter Livingston

  12-15-1791
  

  Philip Livingston wrote from New York, New York, to his brother-in-law John Kean, addressed Cashier of the Bank of the United States, Philadelphia. The letter included multiple drafts (not included), one regarding payment of debts by South Carolina, others to get sums discounted. Philip shared that Mr. Lawrence appreciated Susan's efforts to match dimity (cotton cloth fabric) and commissioned for her an "anti pertussis" and a box of Coltsfoot. At the end, he said the New York Directors have "taken Frederick Jay's House & the vault" and are now preparing.

  Names included: Robert Barnwell, Nicholas Low, Mordecai Lewis, Mr. Lawrence, Bank of the United States, Frederick Jay.

  Places included: South Carolina, Powles Hook.

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  Philip Livingston to John Kean, December 4, 1791

  Philip Peter Livingston

  12-04-1791
  

  Philip Livingston wrote from New York, NY (based on context) to his brother-in-law John Kean, no address, but likely Philadelphia, PA. The letter missed the post by 10 minutes, because Harry was "too late."

  Yesterday they [names not included] looked for a "House for the Department." They prefer to lease but everyone who answered said no. Locations included: Rivington's Corner, the Center, Wall Street to Smith Street, Queens Street to the Eastward, to the Fly Market, Westward, Hanover Square, Hunter, and Duryci.

  Names included: Mr. Bayard, Frederick Jay, DewLursh, and Mr. Wilkinson.

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  Philip Livingston to John Kean, December 8, 1791

  Philip Peter Livingston

  12-08-1791
  

  Philip Livingston, addressed from New York, NY, wrote to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. He described managing money in New York and South Carolina, and the purchase of Indents. He was unable to locate a place for the "branch here," but expected to rent from Frederick Jay or John Dewlurst. The Directors planned to meet at Brunswick to select a location there. Philip was charged for John Kean's last letter.

  Names included: Robert Barnwell, Low, Watson

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  Philip Livingston to John Kean, November 11, 1791

  Philip Peter Livingston

  11-21-1791
  

  Philip Livingston wrote from New York, NY, to his brother-in-law, John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Philip consented to act as Justice to his sister, Susan, and nephew, Peter, and change a bond to his name. Philip returned from a trip to Philadelphia and arrived at Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts in Elizabeth Town, where they ate a saddle of venison.

  During that visit, Mr. Ricketts was arranging a legal agreement with Mr. Johnston and Mr. Brissett of Jamaica, regarding an Estate in Jamaica. Jackson, James Rickets and Peter Van Brugh Livingston (Philip's father) believed it was a good bargain for James. Philip's mother's Dower would receive the profit from the produce of the property. Peter Van Brugh Livingston's first wife was Mary Alexander, his second wife was Elizabeth Ricketts.

  Philip said Mrs. Ricketts won't visit Philadelphia, PA, until Susan is settled in her new house. Philip inquired about John's position at the bank and wanted more information.

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  Philip Livingston to John Kean, November 30, 1791

  Philip Peter Livingston

  11-30-1791
  

  Philip Livingston wrote from New York, NY, to his brother-in-law, John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Philip returned from a trip to his farm. He attended a meeting of the New York Directors (all but Mr. Watts attended). They decided to enquire of properties of certain houses on Wall Street, Queen Street, and Hanover Square to know the terms of rent and possession. Philip mentioned a house and "unassumable" debt from South Carolina.

  Names included: Watson (Department Plates) and Bayard.

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  Alexander Macomb to John Kean, December 27, 1791

  Alexander Macomb

  12-27-1791
  

  Alexander Macomb wrote from New York, NY, to John Kean, Cashier of the Bank of the U.S., Philadelphia, PA, delivered by Rogers. He wrote that Mr. Fitzsimmons gave Mrs. Macomb hope that she would get shares. Mrs. Macomb asked Rogers to vote for a director on her behalf.

  Name included: Mr. Constable

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  Margaret Marshall to Susan Kean, July 13, 1791

  Margaret Marshall

  07-13-1791
  

  Miss Margaret wrote to Susan, addressed to Philadelphia, PA, by Dr. Joseph Jaudennes, addition and division problems are on the address page. Margaret wrote that Susan and John were invited to a wedding but must not have received the invitation in time. They were missed and she saved Susan a piece of cake. Also mentioned: Mrs. R [Ricketts].

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  John Faucheraud Grimké to John Veufuille, July 29, 1791

  John Neufuille

  07-29-1791
  

  John Neufuille appointed Grimké guardian of his children: John, Thomas Smith, Benjamin Smith, and Polly.

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  John Kean Appointed Guardian of Peter Philip James Kean, July 1, 1791

  Orphans Court of Philadelphia

  07-01-1791
  

  The Rule of the Orphans Court in Philadelphia, PA, appointed John Kean as guardian of his minor son, Peter Philip James Kean. It was witnessed by Lewis Weiss, William Coats, and Jacob Weaver, motioned by William Brandford and signed by William Nichols. Peter is entitled to personal property and the ruling allows that property to be disposed of for the use or benefit of Peter.

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  Timothy Pickering to John Kean, December 16, 1791

  Timothy Pickering

  12-16-1791
  

  Timothy Pickering wrote from the General Post Office to John Kean, Cashier of the Bank of the United States, Philadelphia, PA. Timothy was the United States Postmaster General at the time. He acknowledged that John was still serving as commissioner of accounts and, therefore, allowed to frank letters (use a signature instead of postage). John must pay for letters sent to him.

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  Jacob Read to John Kean, November 14, 1791

  Jacob Read

  11-14-1791
  

  Jacob Read wrote from Charleston, SC, to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA, Commissioner of the Accounts of the U.S. It included an additional page labeled Memorandum of Monies Received for John Kean, with names and amounts.

  Read updated John on his accounts in South Carolina. Last Friday, Edward Rutledge filed a Bill in Equity against John Kean regarding Grove and Lavien. Read wanted instructions from John Kean about the matter. Rutlege thought John Kean might obtain a liberal compromise regarding Shubrick the Elder and Younger. Read returned from Beaufort Circuit Court where he obtained judgement on cases.

  Names included: John Faucheraud Grimké, Aggnew T. Pritchard, the Grayson's (who won by the negligence of the Sheriffs), General Pinckney, Jonathan Rutledge, Pyke, William Jason Ferguson, Jason Ferguson, David Mobil, and Robert Portious.

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  Jacob Read to John Kean, October 14, 1791

  Jacob Read

  10-14-1791
  

  Jacob Read wrote to John, addressed to Philadelphia, PA, One of the Commissioners of Accounts of the U.S., via [illegible ship], Captain Art.

  Jacob wrote about certificates. Names included: Bowman, McEvers, [William] Stephens, [John Faucheraud] Grimké, Colonel John L. B. [illegible], Tubly, and the widow.

  In the postscript, Jacob said his brother, George Paddon Read, will visit Philadelphia and visit John.