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Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

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Santee Canal Stock, May 11, 1798

John Faucheraud Grimke
05-11-1798

John Faucheraud Grimke 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 Grimke 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 Grimke, March 3, 1798

Susan Kean
03-03-1798

Susan Kean in Elizabeth Town, NJ wrote to Judge Grimke, unaddressed. Susan wrote to Grimke 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.
Gustavus Risberg to Susan Kean, May 28, 1798

Gustavus Risberg
05-28-1798

Gustavus Risberg in Philadelphia, PA wrote to Susan Kean, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. Gustav wrote about the rental business and the possibility of war. This included a desire by Mr. Willings to paint and paper the house. There was a decline in rents and he anticipated the further decline of rents if war broke out because of the loss of shipping. People included: Mr. Simpson, Mr. Willings, Mr. Morris, Peter Kean, Mrs. R. Places mentioned: New York, Debtors Department, N. A. Land Company, Turnpike.
Tapray to Susan Kean, March 25, 1798

Tapray
03-25-1798

Mrs. Taprav wrote to Susan Kean, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. This was a thank-you note. People included: Mrs. Ricketts, Mrs. Livingston.
John Walker to James Brown, May 29, 1798

John Walker
05-29-1798

John Walker wrote to James Brown, addressed to Richmond, VA. He wrote about various materials and goods being send to facilitate a settlement. He also talks about the crops he planted at his plantation and wishes he planted more.
Unknown Person to George Meade, June 27, 1797

06-27-1797

Unknown, Abyssinia, NJ wrote to George Meade, unaddressed. This person wrote to George Meade concerning the issue of the waterway and Dr. Rush. People included: Dr. Rush, Tilghman, Mr. Ketland.
George Van Brugh Brown to Susan Kean, June 8, 1797

George Vabrush Brown
06-08-1797

George Vanbrugh Brown wrote from Kilmarnock, Virginia to Peter Kean and Susan Kean, unaddressed. In his letter to Peter Kean, Brown was happy to hear how much progress he made since he saw him last. Informed Peter that his cousin desired her love to him and the other boys. Misfortune happened upon Aunt Livingston’s family, hoped Vanbrugh recovered. In a letter addressed to Susan Kean, Brown complimented Peter and believed he would meet his mother’s most sanguine expectations. Brown’s wife was well and hoped she would derive great advantage from the Narrowgate Watters.
George Van Brugh Brown to Susan Kean, December 2, 1797

George Van Brugh Brown
12-02-1797

George Van Brugh Brown wrote from Holmes, Kilmarnock, North Britain, to Susan Kean, his aunt, mistakenly addressed to Elizabeth Town, NY instead of Elizabeth Town, NJ. He was glad to hear from Susan that she and Peter were well, saying they gave him and Elizabeth, his wife, much joy. He said that he looked forward to receiving another letter from Peter. He asked about multiple family members and asked Susan to send his best. His wife had been ill recently and that prevented him from writing. He wrote about his career in the army, the rising taxes, and his desire to own land in the country.

People Included: Maria Ricketts,Philip Livingston, Cornelia Livingston, Mary L., and Betsey Bayard.

Places Included: Abyssnia Estate, Elizabeth Town, NJ
George Van Brugh Brown to Susan Kean, December 2, 1797

George Van Brugh Brown
12-02-1797

George Van Brugh Brown wrote from Holmes, Kilmarnock, Scotland to Susan Kean, his aunt, mistakenly addressed to Elizabethtown, NY instead of Elizabethtown, NJ. He was glad to hear from Susan that she and Peter were well, saying they gave him and Elizabeth (his wife?) much joy. He said that he looked forward to receiving another letter from Peter. He asked about multiple family members and asked Susan to send his best. His wife had been ill recently and that prevented him from writing. He wrote about his career in the army, the rising taxes, and his desire to own land in the country.

People Included: Maria Ricketts,Philip Livingston, Cornelia Livingston, Mary L., and Betsey Bayard.

Places Included: Abyssnia Estate, Elizabethtown, NJ
George Van Brugh Brown to Susan Kean, February 28, 1797

George Van Brugh Brown
02-28-1797

George Van Brugh Brown wrote to Susan Kean, his aunt, address not included. He wrote that he was happy to have heard from Betsy Bayard that that Susan had recovered from her illness and that Peter was doing well. He hoped that she had received his letter that was enclosed with Mrs. R. Box about his recent change of life. This possibly refers to a marriage as he then wrote that "Mrs. B begs you will accept her kindest love". He asked that when she saw his Indies family (presumably the Ricketts) that she give them his love and mentioned that he wrote to Philip Livingston recently.
Nancy (A.B.) Brown to Susan Kean, June 14, 1794

Nancy (A.B.) Brown
1794-06-14

Nancy Brown wrote to Susan Kean in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Nancy informed Susan that she found her husband William confined to their bed upon her return home. He had fallen from a beam from a newly raised house and received a terrible cut that would turn into a scar. Lady Kitty asked to be remembered kindly by Susan and John Kean. Nancy recommended Violet to Lady Kitty but she said she did not have time to attend to the servants and was afraid Violet would not be steady enough for her. The letter was presented to Susan by Coll. Beckwith. Nancy also sent John Kean gloves.