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Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

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John Walker to James Brown, January 9, 1799

John Walker
01-09-1799

John Walker to James Brown, addressed to Richmond, VA. He wrote a quick correspondence to say he arrived at Shirley. He blames the bad weather for not paying him earlier.
Unknown Person to George Meade, circa November 1798

circa November 1798

An unknown correspondent wrote to George Meade, unaddressed. This letter is a copy sent to George Meade and appears to be written by Susan Kean, although it is not in her hand. The unknown correspondent reiterated the legal dispute between Meade and Susan Kean regarding the waterway issue in Susan’s backyard of her home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
George Van Brugh Brown to Susan Kean, August 1, 1798

George Van Brugh Brown
08-01-1798

George Van Brugh Brown wrote from Holmes, Kilmarnock, North Britain to Susan Kean, Elizabethtown, New Jersey [New York]. Brown had not heard from Susan in a while and was losing hope in ever hearing from her again. Desired to introduce Susan to his baby daughter and his wife. The small pox went vastly well away. Had to remain in Holmes until the war was over. Mentioned the death of Mr. Bayard.
George Van Brugh Brown to Susan Kean, March 26, 1798

George Van Brugh Brown
03-26-1798

George Van Brugh Brown wrote from Holmes, Kilmarnock, North Britain to Susan Kean, his aunt, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. His wife, Elizabeth Brown, had given birth to a little girl also named Elizabeth. George wrote that the next daughter should be named Mary after his mother. He mentioned having hear from Betsy Bayard that Susan was not in Elizabeth Town. He thought it best that Peter in the winter still exercise as much as the distance between Sarah Ricketts's house and town. He wanted to come visit everyone in America with his family but said he could not until "something or other is done in Europe", most likely referring to the on going Napoleonic Wars.
George Van Brugh Brown to Susan Kean, May 30, 1798

George Van Brugh Brown
05-30-1798

George Van Brugh Brown wrote from Holmes, Kilmarnock, North Britain to Susan Kean, his aunt, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. His wife, Elizabeth, had recently had a baby girl also named Elizabeth. He wrote that both mother and child were well, but the baby had begun to have toothaches and was waking up in the night. He wrote that his American friends were the worst correspondents he had often going months without letters from them. He asked for Peter Kean, Susan's son to write him soon. He would be entering the Scotch Militia, but he did not expect them to leave the country this summer. He asked about Philip Livingston and if Betsey or Nancy Bayard were married yet.
George Van Brush Brown to Susan Kean, October 31, 1798

George Van Brugh Brown
10-31-1798

George Van Brugh Brown wrote from Linlithgow, Scotland to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Brown informed Susan that he took up the sword once more and was stationed at Ayr, Scotland. He remained there with his regiment until the beginning of October. Mrs. B. and their daughter, Elizabeth, stayed with him for a few weeks in Ayr and were at present with him. Brown also discussed how four men in his regiment were married. Spoke highly of Peter Kean, asked about Betsey McIntosh, and requested to be remembered by his uncles.
John Faucheraud Grimké to Susan Kean, September 13, 1798

John Faucherand Grimké
09-13-1798

John Faucheraud Grimké in Charleston, SC wrote to Susan Kean, unaddressed. Grimké wrote concerning the Santee Canal Co. shares and how another payment would be necessary. The engineer in charge made poor calculations. People included: Peter Kean, Mr. Smith. Places included: Santee Canal.
John Faucheraud Grimké to Susan Kean, February 3, 1798

John Faucherand Grimké and Josiah Smith
02-03-1798

John Faucheraud Grimké wrote to Susan Kean, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. Grimké discussed developments concerning the Santee Canal. This is written on the back of the letter from Josiah Smith who wrote about obtaining authorization for selling South Carolina loan certificates. People included: Mr. Josiah Smith, Mr. Barnwell, John Kean. Places included: Santee Canal.
John Grimké to Susan Kean, May 11, 1798

John Faucheraud Grimké
05-11-1798

John Faucheraud Grimké, in Charleston, SC, wrote to Susan Niemcewicz, unaddressed. Grimké responded to Susan's letter requesting the disposal of the South Carolina loan office certificate. This letter discussed Santee Canal and Catawaba Company shares.

People included: Mr. Smith, Mrs. Grimké, John Kean. Places included: South Carolina, Santee Canal, Catawaba Company.

This was likely sent with the document by John Faucheraud Grimké, May 1, 1798.
Santee Canal Stock, May 11, 1798

John Faucheraud Grimké
05-11-1798

John Faucheraud Grimké wrote to Susan Kean concerning the Santee Canal Stock and other assets from the John Kean estate. The Santee Canal was located in South Carolina.

People included: Josiah Smith, John Kean, and Santee Canal Company.

This document was likely sent with the letter from John Faucheraud Grimké to Susan Kean, May 1, 1798.
Susan Kean and William Dayton, January 6, 1798

Susan Kean
01-06-1798

William Dayton wrote to Susan Kean, unaddressed. Dayton listed expenses made on Susan's behalf. People included: Peter Kean. Place included: New York.
Susan Kean to John Grimké, March 3, 1798

Susan Kean
03-03-1798

Susan Kean in Elizabeth Town, NJ wrote to Judge Grimké, unaddressed. Susan wrote to Grimké about Santee and Catawba as per in relation to the Kean estate. There was another draft letter for Mrs. Josiah Smith of Charleston. People mentioned: John Kean, Mr. Dayton, Philip Livingston, Mr. B. Places included: New York, Charleston, SC.
Elizabeth Livingston to Susan Kean, August 2, 1798

Elizabeth Livingston
08-02-1798

Elizabeth Livingston in Union Hill wrote to Susan Kean, unaddressed. The letter discussed family issues and Elizabeth regretted not being able to see Peter. People mentioned: Peter Kean, Eliza Barclay. Places mentioned: New York, Philadelphia, West Chester, Elizabeth Town.
Philip Livingston and Susan Kean, April 12, 1798

Philip Livingston
04-12-1798

Philip Livingston and Susan Kean, addressed to New York, NY. This was a balance statement.
Philip Livingston to Susan Kean, June 1798

Philip Livingston
06-1798

Philip Livingston wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean, unaddressed. Livingston informed Susan that she should immediately draw for her balance, lest he be out of town. Suggested she write to Mr. Lucena about the Bill for he had never heard of it.
George Meade to Susan Kean, October 18, 1798

George Meade
10-18-1798

George Meade in Philadelphia, PA wrote to Susan Kean, Elizabeth Town, NJ. This letter informed Susan about the ongoing difficulties concerning the flow of water in to George Meade's yard and ice house. People included: Mrs. Meade, Miss Meade, Mr. Ketland, Mrs. Ketland, Peter Kean.
Jessey Perovany to Susan Kean, January 1798

Jessey Perovany
January 1798

Jessey Perovany wrote to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Perovany informed Susan of Mrs. Capron’s terrible situation. She had recently finished the novel Camilla and was moving on to The Italian. Perovany transcribed one of her favorite parts in the novel. Shared news on family and mutual acquaintances and wrote fondly of Peter. In the postscript, Perovany shared that she was married on New Year’s Day and passed along compliments to Mrs. Armstrong, Miss Ramsay, Miss Gordon, and Mrs. Dayton.
Jessey Perovany to Susan Kean, October 1, 1798

Jessey Perovany
10-01-1798

Jessey Pervonay wrote from Germantown, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Pervonay informed Susan that she left Mrs. Capron’s three months prior and Capron refused to pay her even though she knew Pervonay was leaving. Mr. Perovany spoke highly of the famous portrait artist John Smart who praised his artistic skills and claimed Italy could not produce a better artist. However, Mr. Perovany could not make any money; they were starving and she was breeding and very sick. Mr. Perovany developed a violent fever but was recovering. He would be leaving for Havana soon for work, which would be a crushing blow to her. She kept her situation a secret and claimed it would be painful for her if certain people were to find out. Spoke highly of Peter and encouraged Susan to make his infant years happy.
Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, August 10, 1798

Gustavus Risberg
08-10-1798

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. This letter has two different dates. On August 10, 1798, Gisberg informed Susan that Mr. G. Willing paid the last quarter’s rent and he enclosed a draft of a remittance for one hundred and ninety dollars. Willing decided to postpone the papering of Susan’s home until the fall. Painting was completed for thirty-two dollars. Nothing had been done regarding Susan’s claim against Mr. Meade regarding the waterway. Mentioned that the profits of the North American Insurance Company were inconsiderable and no dividend could be made as a result.

On August 31, 1798, Risberg wrote that Mr. Willing’s promise of payment of the one hundred and ninety dollars was delayed and was now enclosed. Yellow Fever had broken out in Philadelphia and citizens removed from the city as a result. Their Compting House was located at the upper end of Market and Eleventh Street and no one was entering the city. Hoped Susan would delay her visit to New York because Yellow Fever was more malignant compared to the 1793 outbreak and extended into most of the Seaport Towns in the United States.
Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, December 13, 1798

Gustavus Risberg
12-13-1798

Gustavus Risberg in Philadelphia, PA wrote to Susan Kean, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. Gustavus enclosed the rent money. People included: Willing. Place included: New York.
Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, December 25, 1798

Gustavus Risberg
12-25-1798

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan of a draft of money he enclosed as well as the status of her cash orders. Discussed the Legislature being in session and that Mr. Tilghman had been so busy attending Court that did not tend to Mr. Meade’s business yet. Mentioned the dividends for the insurance company and Susan’s shares. Mrs. Rinker passed away and Risberg selected a weekly publication for the amusement of Peter – the price was two dollars per annum.
Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, February 11, 1798

Gustavus Risberg
02-11-1798

Gustavus Risberg in Philadelphia, PA wrote to Susan Kean, addressed to Elizabeth Town, New Jersey. Gustav wrote about Mrs. Kean's income. The letter mentioned the rent and balance. An African-American woman pleaded for help because her husband was seemingly lost at sea. People included: Edward Tilghman, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Pinket, Barrow, George Willing, Peter. Places included: New York.
Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, June 10, 1798

Gustavus Risberg
06-10-1798

Gustavus Risberg in Philadelphia, PA wrote to Susan Kean, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. Mr. Willing demanded a lowering of rent and that repairs be made to the house. The African-American woman remained on the estate and promised to pay back rents. Gustav hoped that war was to be averted as to avoid Peter needing to endure it. People included: Mr. Willing, Capt. Stiles, James Fisher, R. Bostock. Places included: Capt. Stiles Estate, Dayton House.
Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, June 19, 1798

Gustavus Risberg
06-19-1798

Gustavus Risberg in Philadelphia, PA wrote to Susan Kean, Elizabeth Town, NJ. Gustav wrote to Susan stating that Mr. Willing would not pay more than 225 pounds per year for renting the house. People included: Mr. Willing.
Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, May 17, 1798

Gustavus Risberg
05-17-1798

Gustavus Risberg in Philadelphia, PA wrote to Susan Kean, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. Gustav discussed the issue of rent and the water course. People included: Mr. E. Tilghman, Mr. Meade, Peter Kean.