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Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

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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.
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, 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."
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?].
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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