Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Follow

• 

  Julian Niemcewicz to Susan Kean, February 2, 1799

  Julian U. Niemcewicz

  02-02-1799
  

  Julian Niemcewicz wrote from New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, NJ. In the letter he discussed how his day was spent and informed Susan of the various individuals he visited. Additionally, he explained how he had a "sleepless night on account of mosquitoes."

  People Included: General Hamilton, Henry Brockholst Livingston, Mrs. Caradeux, Mrs. Church.

• 

  Julian Niemcewicz to Susan Kean, March 4, 1799

  Julian U. Niemcewicz

  03-04-1799
  

  Julian Niemcewicz wrote from Elizabethtown, NJ to Susan Kean, addressed to New York, NY. Julian had stayed back in New Jersey while Susan handled business affairs and mingled in the city. He informed her on his short visit to Philadelphia where he met with friends and gave her an update on Peter who was doing very well. The letter ended with Julian asking Susan if the "nonsensical babblings about ghosts" had come to an end yet.

• 

  Julian Niemcewicz to Susan Kean, May 28, 1799

  Julian U. Niemcewicz

  05-28-1799
  

  Julian Niemcewicz wrote from Philadelphia, PA to Susan Kean, addressed to Elizabethtown, NJ. In the letter he informed Susan on the individuals he had crossed paths with and elaborated on his living situation while staying in the city. He anticipated that he would leave Philadelphia by July and told Susan he would "make some stay at home, and you know my home is Elizabethtown." Additionally, at the end of the letter Julian had asked Susan to write her friends in New York City to see if they could purchase various Carl Linnaeus titles such as, Species Plantarum, Genera Plantarum and Philosophia Botanica.

• 

  Fanny Otto to Susan Kean, September 23, 1799

  Fanny Otto

  1799-09-22
  

  Fanny Otto wrote from Berlin, Germany to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey (addressed to Mrs. Ricketts in Elizabethtown). Fanny discussed the long lapse in correspondence between her and Susan (Fanny was the second wife of Louis Guillaume/William Otto). Mr. and Mrs. Laforest and Mrs. Petry vouched for Fanny’s honest sentiments of friendship towards her. She and Mr. Otto were well and Eliza was very tall for her age. She was spending time with her sister in Paris and had masters of many kinds including in music and drawing. Fanny’s younger daughter Sophie was a redhead full of French vivacity. Fanny had been separated from Otto for 14 months and had recently reunited with him in Berlin. The public newspapers may have informed Susan of Otto’s political situation.

• 

  Jessey Perovany to Susan Kean, April 1, 1799

  Jessey Perovany

  1799-04-01
  

  Jessey Perovany wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Jessey missed a visit from Mr. Niemcewicz. Asked Susan to let him know that she had to step out for important business and therefore missed his visit. Expected to see him when he returned to Philadelphia. Jessey planned on leaving the continent next month to join her husband in Havana. She also expected to give birth at any moment. Enquired about Peter and asked Susan to tell him she would write him from Havana. Mr. Perovany arrived safely at his destined port. Jessey added additional text dated May 1 where she informed Susan she gave birth to a boy. He had already gotten over smallpox. She received a letter from Mr. Perovany who offered his best respects to Susan. The money Susan lent Jessey would be remitted a short time after she got established in Havana.

  People mentioned: Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz and Peter Kean.

• 

  Jessey Perovany to Susan Kean, February 2, 1799

  Jessey Perovany

  1799-02-01
  

  Jessey Perovany wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Jessey worried Susan considered her an ungrateful human being however, she was not to be blamed but pitied. For a long time, she was unable to collect her ideas and could not bring herself to write. As soon as Mr. Perovany recovered from his second illness, he prepared for his departure to Havana. He left the Tuesday prior. Jessey’s mind had been tortured with worry that this may have been the last time she saw her husband. Jessey added additional text dated January 10 and claimed it had been a long time since she wrote the above and had not written anyone in months, including her mother. At the moment, she was indisposed but imputed that to being pregnant. She had no desire to have any more children, especially if she had the misfortune to lose her companion. Mr. Perovany had the greatest probability of making money in Havana and Jessey planned to join him in May accompanied by a noble friend in whose care Mr. Perovany left her. Her friend did everything in his power to detain Mr. Perovany until they could all travel together but Mr. Perovany was too prudent to listen. She closed her letter quickly on account of being sick.

• 

  Jessey Perovany to Susan Kean, June 2, 1799

  Jessey Perovany

  1799-06-02
  

  Jessey Perovany wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Jessey was happy to hear that Peter made progress in French. She meant to write to him but her child had been sick with a severe cold that she attributed to being bathed in cold water. Planned to leave for Havana with Mr. Perovany. The only foreigners who had been received well in Havana were Perovany and the Princes of Orleans. Everybody advised Mr. Perovany to open an academy and Jessey also planned to open a school. She worried her money would not arrive in Havana and asked Susan if she could borrow money until she was settled.

• 

  Jessey Perovany to Susan Kean, June 27, 1799

  Jessey Perovany

  1799-06-27
  

  Jessey Perovany wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Jessey apologized for her last request as it would grieve her exceedingly to have offended Susan. Planned to set sail in a few days. Her spirits were low and it was hard for her to write. Jessey learned Spanish so she could communicate with Havana locals.

• 

  Jessey Perovany to Susan Kean, November 25, 1799

  Jessey Perovany

  1799-11-25
  

  Jessey Perovany wrote from Havana to Susan Kean, unaddressed. Perovany feared she did not receive her pardon for a request she made although it was with the best of intentions. She discussed a quarrel between her and a Spanish gentleman she had already given Susan an account of. They traveled together en route to Havana but stopped in Providence. Perovany pursued the remainder of the voyage alone on board an “old rotten Spanish schooner.” She had a baby boy and asked Susan to not tell her mother anything as she would “go down to the grave with sorrow” and her “old Calvinist friends” would hate and despise her. Perovany’s baby boy looked just like his father but had his mother’s eyes. The fifty dollars Susan lent was remitted three months prior as a bill of exchange of one hundred and fifty dollars, the one hundred for Perovany’s mother. She and Mr. Perovany extended their compliments to Mr. Niemcewitz. Satin sold in Havana extremely well and Perovany purchased a black one for church that cost sixty dollars. To be in fashion one must have had a massy bracelet of Spanish gold worn on the middle of the left arm, a chaplet of the same metal, and a superb fan that was valued at about two hundred dollars. Then, a lady entered church, kneeled, and sat on a fine carpet flat on the ground. Extended well wishes to Peter and mutual acquaintances.

  People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz and Peter Kean

• 

  Jessey Perovany to Susan Kean, October 25, 1799

  Jessey Perovany

  1799-10-25
  

  Jessey Perovany wrote from Germantown, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Perovany acknowledged the receipt of Susan’s letter and thanked her profusely for her assistance in lending her money. Charmed to hear Peter was feeling better and informed Susan she was pregnant. Had little information on Shosinsko, and his sudden departure stunned everyone. Appreciated that Susan shared so much information with her in her last letter since she had an antipathy toward writing.

• 

  Jacob Reed to Susan Kean, January 23, 1799

  Joseph Read

  1799-01-23
  

  The following document is a voucher addressed to Susan Kean from Jacob Read in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Read wrote that he received the sum of $128.57 from Susan that was to be paid to John Faucheraud Grimké in Charleston, South Carolina.

  People mentioned: John Faucheraud Grimké (1752-1819)

• 

  Gustavus Reisberg to Susan Kean, March 24, 1799

  Gustavus Reisberg

  1799-03-24
  

  Gustavus Reisberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean at 89 Liberty Street, New York, New York. Reisberg relinquished the agency and explained to Susan that her orders were better off in more capable hands. Mr. Simpson delivered nine scripts that awaited Susan’s order and the surplus money of two hundred twenty-five dollars was to be returned. Also discussed last year’s taxes Susan had to pay from that sum. Reisberg wrote to Caleb Adler, an upholsterer, to wait on Susan with a piece of green satin that he received as a pattern to show the quality. The remaining silk was to be forwarded by one of their traders to New York to the care of Philip Livingston.

• 

  Gustav Risberg to Susan Kean, June 9, 1799

  Gustav Risberg

  1799-06-09
  

  Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan he paid the fourth payment on the new loan, and with the dividend of the Bank Stock, he completed the 5^th and 6^th payments of July and August. Susan needed to provide the funds for the 7^th and 8^thpayments. The President and Managers of the Canal Company called upon stockholders for three payments on each share. Susan owed one hundred and ten dollars for her two shares. Hoped Susan chose a successor for his agency.

• 

  Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, April 13, 1799

  Gustavus Risberg

  1799-04-13
  

  Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan that he paid $112.50 for the second installment of the new loan and enclosed the certificates. The Insurance Shares (50 in total) were still standing in Risberg’s name as it saved the trouble of a power of attorney receiving the dividends. Mr. Williams had gone to serve as Aid de Camp to General Macpherson on the Northampton expedition and did not have an opportunity to see him. Mr. G. Willing was also engaged on the expedition to Northampton and the rent would remain unpaid until his return. The business with Mr. Meade made little progress and no satisfaction would be made unless Susan brought a suit at law against him. Dr. Rush informed Risberg that he would keep his promise and as soon as Mr. Meade accepted the watercourse he pointed out, the deed would be executed on Susan’s behalf.

  People mentioned: Dr. Benjamin Rush, Mr. Meade, Peter Kean, Mr. Williams, General Macpherson, and Mr. G. Willing.

• 

  Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, August 10, 1799

  Gustavus Risberg

  1799-08-10
  

  Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan that the Insurance Company of N.A. made no dividend in July and none would likely take place until the following year. This was due to heavy losses and large claims on the British and French Governments. Suggested Susan sell the shares and put the funds towards the new loan as well as ground rent and taxes for the Canal Company. Mrs. George Willing “consigned to the silent grave.” Mr. Willing found fault in the construction of Susan’s home in Philadelphia and Risberg suggested she sell it. Acknowledged Susan’s letter from Mr. Meade regarding the watercourse (see George Meade to Susan Kean, July 29, 1799) and informed her to refer Meade to either Edward Tilghman or himself if he wrote her again. Happy to hear Peter was doing so well with his studies.

• 

  Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, August 16, 1799

  Gustavus Risberg

  1799-08-16
  

  Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan that he enclosed a Copy of the Will duly authenticated.

• 

  Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, August 31, 1799

  Gustavus Risberg

  1799-08-31
  

  Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan that Mr. Willing made an offer to take the house back by allowing the difference between the rent it currently went for and his agreement, or he would sell it on himself on his own account. Suggested that the last proposition would be most advantageous to Susan. Willing had rented the house to Mrs. Cox, widow of Col. John Cox for $400 for ten months. The banks stood their ground but Risberg expected them to remove to Germanton [Germantown] where he would also take up his abode. Since the Treasury Office moved to Trenton, NJ, it was impossible to fund the first four payments of the new loan. Requested Susan’s remittance for the 7^th payment on the new stocks and $40 for the Canal Shares. John Kitland was buried two days prior.

• 

  Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, December 31, 1800

  Gustavus Risberg

  1799-12-31
  

  Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan that he and his fellow citizens returned to Philadelphia. In November 1799, Mrs. Cox took possession of Susan’s house. Mr. Willing had new wallpaper installed in the two lower rooms and part of the staircase. Mrs. Cox completed the remaining parts of the staircase to meet the third story. The last payment of the new loan was completed and with the return of the Treasury Offices, certificates were issued in Susan’s name. Bank shares yielded their usual dividend and the Turnpike Company was expected to recommence theirs. The N.A. Land Company and the N.A. Insurance Company would not produce any dividends and the payments on the Canal Shares were completed. Wished he could devise some mode of improving the lot on Walnut Street in Philadelphia. Enclosed a Power of Attorney and asked that once Susan had it proved by a notary to return it to him. (Power of Attorney enclosed and dated January 1, 1800)

• 

  Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, January 26, 1799

  Gustavus Risberg

  1799-01-26
  

  Gustavus Reisberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Reisberg shared that Mr. Simpson informed him that Mrs. Rinker left no family and that her estate would go to her husband. He heard she disposed of her stock before leaving for Virginia and the money was applied toward the purchase of a farm on which Mr. Rinker lived. Believed the monied interest in Philadelphia would be redeemed in a few years. If Susan subscribed to it, her interest would be perfectly safe, and enjoy an immediate increase in income. Mentioned that another stock was in great demand though it would yield no income until 1801. Will wait on Susan with a remittance of approximately three hundred and thirty dollars from the dividends of the bank shares and the insurance company.

• 

  Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, March 10, 1799

  Gustavus Risberg

  1799-03-10
  

  Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean 89 Liberty Street, New York, New York. Risberg informed Susan that according to her last order, he requested Mr. Simpson subscribe 27 shares to the new loan. Although he anticipated some surplus, he had no idea that the subscriptions would amount to nearly three times the sum wanted. Nine shares were allocated to Susan and more would be issued in seven to ten days. Bansall made an overture for the lot on behalf of B.W. Morris at £75 annum ground rent.

• 

  Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, September 9, 1799

  Gustavus Risberg

  1799-09-09
  

  Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg acknowledged Susan’s letter where she enclosed three bank notes that amounted to $200 and informed her that he would take care of the last installment of the new loan. The melancholy situation in Philadelphia caused a decline in real estate. If Susan were to sell her house, Risberg suggested she demand £3000 because the price could be lowered afterward.

• 

  John Rutherford to Susan Kean, August 22, 1799

  John Rutherford

  1799-08-22
  

  John Rutherford wrote to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. The top of this document is torn. Rutherford informed Susan that he just returned to New York and was executing her order regarding the bonds. He did not understand Susan’s last letter where she requested the bonds be sent to her but enclosed them. They could be sent to Barnwell in their present state or the endorsements filled in.

• 

  William Stephens to Susan Kean, September 4, 1799

  William Stephens

  1799-09-04
  

  William Stephens wrote from Savannah, Georgia to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Stephens informed Susan that he enclosed a memorandum that contained the lands owned by John Kean with notes that showed to whom the property had since been disposed of (for descriptions of the lands, see Susan Kean to Philip Livingston, October 19, 1799). Stevens also discussed lands left to Susan by her father and additional property in Georgia.

• 

  Bill of Sale: Robinson Thomas with Susan Kean, November 4, 1799

  Robinson Thomas

  11-04-1799
  

  Bill of sale from Robinson Thomas to Susan Kean for Betty, an enslaved woman, and her nine-month-old child for the price of $175.

• 

  Vanderhorst & Miller to Philip Livingston, February 22, 1799

  Vanderhorst & Miller

  02-22-1799
  

  Vanerhorst & Miller wrote from Charleston to Philip Livingston, addressed to Broadway, NY. The letter said that on the instructions of Robert Barnwell they sent a check in favor of Charles Bank and Co. which was to be paid to Susan Kean, widow of John Kean and sister of Philip Livingston. A duplicate of this letter was also sent and received by Philip.

  The check mentioned can be found as "Jonathan Coit to W. S. Robinson, February 21, 1799".