Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

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Peter Van Brugh Livingston to John Kean, April 27, 1791

Peter Van Brugh Livingston
04-27-1792

Peter wrote to his son-in-law, John, address Philadelphia, PA, as Commissioner of Accounts. Peter wrote, "My son if I mistake not has wrote to Mr. [Alexander] Hamilton on the subject in your favor." He was glad Susan feels better. He doesn't plan to visit Philadelphia but invites John and his family to New York.

Names included: Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts, Maria and Jane, Mr. and Mrs. Otto, Eliza Otto, and Miss Marshall.
Peter Van Brugh Livingston to John Kean, February 2, 1792

Peter Van Brugh Livingston
02-02-1792

Peter Van Brugh Livingston wrote, from Elizabeth-Town, NJ, to his son-in-law John Kean, Cashier of the Bank, Philadelphia, PA, via Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts. Peter sent several letters that were unanswered. He rejoiced that John was appointed Cashier, but worried for his health. He enclosed Robert Eoff's last lease and a deed for his farm, which he hoped Susan would long enjoy [this paperwork is not present].
Peter Van Brugh Livingston with Philip Livingston, January 19, 1792

Peter Van Brugh Livingston
01-19-1792

Indenture between Peter Van Brugh Livingston and Philip Livingston, his son for the sale of a 179.5 acre tenement plantation in Bridgewater, County of Somerset, NJ, currently leased to Robert Eoff. The land was sold to Philip in trust for Susan Kean, Peter's daughter. The indenture was witnessed by James Ricketts and John Chetwood.
M. McConnell to John Kean, February 17, 1792

M. McConnell
02-17-1792

M. McConnell wrote, from Philadelphia, PA, to John Kean, no address, but likely in Philadelphia, PA, regarding financial business.

Names included: Mr. Livingston and Mr. Cochran.
Jonathan and William Simpson to John Kean, February 13, 1792

Jonathan Simpson and William Simpson
February 13, 1792 and January 7, 1791 (copy)

Jonathan and William Simpson are writing to John Kean, February 13, 1792, to confirm William Wilkie is a Factor (agent) for John Kean and unless payments are started, they will take John Kean to Chancery Court.

The letter begins with a copy of a letter sent by Jonathan and William Simpson on January 7, 1791, delivered by William Wilkie to John Kean concerning payment of Mrs. Grove's bond to Anthony Lechmere, deceased, was not paid in full. It was partially paid by the sale of indigo, but Mr. Sargent's receipt for the indigo was less than expected. Other names included: J. and F. Atkinson.
Samuel Wilcox to John Kean, February 11, 1792

Samuel Wilcox
02-11-1792

Samuel wrote to John, addressed as Cashier of the Bank of the U.S. No. 80 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Samuel found it impracticable to purchase stocks for John. When he first arrived in Charleston stocks fell. He did not realize the state debt would be so soon. It was impossible to purchase stocks unless you were paying with physical cash. The price of stocks are listed at the bottom of the letter. Names included: Grimke, Heyward, Joyner, and Mr. Watson.
List of Books and Papers sent to John Kean, June 21, 1791

06-21-1791

A list of books and papers sent to John Kean by the Georgia packet Caption Burrows. They cover the accounts of John Kean's step-father, Samuel Grove. The actual books and papers are not in the Liberty Hall Collection.
Sister to Susan Kean, October 11, 1791

10-11-1791

Mary McIntosh or Sarah Ricketts wrote to their sister, Susan Kean, no address. The final page was not present. There are many daily details.

She missed Susan and was delighted when she received her letter the night before. She described a religious service that she did not agree with. She described the local neighborhood of her "savage" [Native American?] and they offered her to join them at a potluck, but she declined. She attended a ball hosted by Mr. S. A--, with the children, dancing master, 23 other ladies, and "her" Native American. She prepared curtains for party the next day. Yorick began to understand English. She traveled to Springfield with the children (the machinery of the oil and paint mills, they didn't see the paper mill), then back to Abyssinnia. Next week she planed to go to Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Philadelphia

People included: Peter Kean, Eliza Otto, Rector W. Sprugge, Williamson (Puritanical Psalm), Singer and Clark, Mrs. Dhart and the girls (drank tea), another West Indian/Jamaican family Mr. and Mrs. Drum [illegible], Mr. R and Yrick went to Mr. Governeurs [Gouverneur?] (Turtle Feast and wine), Uncle and Aunt Stevens, Dr. Smith, drank tea with Mrs. Dylton, Mrs. Boudinox and Mrs. Stockton, J. Rutherford, dined with Lady Kitty, Phils, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Livingston, Mrs. McCombe and the girls, Peggy, Miss Ramsay and my old beau,Creole Mrs. Sinclair, William Sheef,
Joseph Abendanone to John Kean, October 11, 1791

Joseph Abendanone
10-11-1791

Joseph wrote to John, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Joseph requested a subscription, via D. Ramsey. He thanked John for his help asked that the amount be transferred to the Office of Charleston.
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.
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.
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.