Liberty Hall Collection 1800s

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Robert Barnwell to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, December 1, 1802

Robert Barnwell
12-01-1802

Robert Barnwell wrote from Beaufort, South Carolina to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey. He and his nephew had arrived in Beaufort and reports to Susan that they had a bad season for crops due to caterpillars and early severe frost.

Placed included: North Carolina
Isabelle Bell to Susan U. Niemcewicz, November 16, 1802

Isabelle Bell
1802-11-16

Isabelle Bell wrote from Albany, New York to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Since receiving Susan’s letter of a very old date, Bell had sat down half a dozen times to respond to her but was prevented by some untoward circumstances. When she heard Julian Niemcewicz had gone to Europe, she hoped Susan would leave her favorite Elizabethtown and oblige her northern friends with a visit. Bell spent time at Cayuga Lake to visit with her sister Richardson who moved from Harrisburg to the country a year ago. She had left her young family in February and traveled 190 miles in a sleigh to see Bell. Susan and Matilda Ridley and five more of her former scholars were to visit Bell the following week and several had already asked her to take several of their daughters and nieces. There were two dancing masters and a music master already engaged to attend her young ladies. A drawing master of first-rate talents was still needed and asked Susan to inquire about one in Elizabethtown. Wished Susan would take a flight to Albany and spend time with her. Asked of Susan’s health, if Peter was in love with Kitty LeRoy, and how Mrs. R and Maria were. In the postscript, Bell asked Susan to remember her kindly to all their friends in Elizabethtown, particularly Mrs. William Dayton. Margaret Baxter wished to have spent some months of last winter in New York and would have liked to have been received as a boarder with Mrs. Hobert. Mrs. G. Livingston told them to consent to take her, but the season was too far advanced before they heard of it. This winter, Margaret did not express anything on the subject, perhaps in fear of another disappointment. Bell would have liked to know if she were inclined to go and if Mrs. H would make it convenient to have her at her house. Bell heard if the postscript was longer than the letter, it meant the writer was in love. Lest she unluckily find herself in that pitiable state and without redress, she ended the postscript.

People mentioned: Isabelle Bell’s sister Richardson, Julian Niemcewicz, Susan and Matilda Ridley, General North, Miss Duanes, Mrs. John Livingston, Mr. Imbert, Peter Kean, Mrs. Ricketts, Maria Ricketts, Mrs. William Dayton, Mrs. Hobert, Mrs. G. Livingston, and Margaret Baxter.
Leonard Bleecker to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz

Leonard Bleeker
01-16-1802

Receipt sent from Leonard Bleeker to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz for New York shares amounting $384.
Branch Bank of United States, New York to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, January 23, 1802

Branch Bank of the United States, NY
01-23-1802

Receipt sent from the Branch Bank of the United States in New York to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz saying they received her check of $575.
George Van Brugh Brown to Susan Niemcewicz, March 30, 1802

George Van Brugh Brown
1802-03-30

George Van Brugh Brown wrote from Glasgow, Scotland to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Worried Susan would think him negligent for not writing often. The last time Brown wrote Susan, he expected to be quartered at Aberdeen but the destination of the troops was changed and they were stationed 12 miles from Fort George where they remained for 14 months. Sorry to hear of the continued bad state of his uncle’s health. He had no words to express his sorrow upon hearing of poor Eliza Otto’s death. Although it happened in August, Brown had only just heard of it. Asked of his cousin Maria Ricketts and gave his kindest regards to Peter Kean and Julian Niemcewicz.

People mentioned: Peter Kean, Maria Ricketts, Eliza Otto, and Julian Niemcewicz.
George Van Brugh Brown to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, May 24, 1802

George Van Brugh Brown
1802-05-24

George Van Brugh Brown wrote from near Abyssinia, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Mr. Hamilton of Grange[?] had just written to Brown to inform him that a servant of his was going to sail to New York and asked if he could recommend him to any of his friends. Before Brown left Glasgow, he wrote to Mr. Otto and consoled him on the loss of his daughter.

People mentioned: Mr. [Alexander?] Hamilton and Mr. Otto.
Catherine Cruger to Julian U. Niemcewicz

Catherine Cruger
1802-06-30

Catherine Cruger wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Julian U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. The whooping cough that Catherine’s poor children were afflicted with obliged her and her husband to take them on a journey for a continual change of air. They did not pass through Elizabethtown but planned to return that way on their way home. Mr. Cruger joined his wife in well wishes to Julian and Susan Niemcewicz.
Henry Gahn to Susan U. Niemcewicz, November 11, 1802

Henry Gahn
1802-11-11

Henry Gahn wrote from New York, New York to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Gahn informed Susan that Captain Brown had on board a box addressed to her that contained Wedgwood Ware. As he did not send him an invoice, the box would first go to the Public Store and be valued before Gahn could make an entry at the Custom House. In a few days, he would follow Susan’s directions and forward it to Elizabethtown.
Henry Gahn to Susan U. Niemcewicz, November 18, 1802

Henry Gahn
1802-11-18

Henry Gahn wrote from New York, New York to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Susan’s letter addressed to Captain Paul was only handed to him yesterday on account of Gahn changing his lodgings from N^o13 Broad Street to N^o35 Wall Street. The entry was made at the Custom House, but due to an omission of the invoice for the Wedgwood Ware, it was impossible to dispense with the formality of having the box opened and examined at the Public Store. It was at that point in the charge of the storekeeper who promised to take the greatest care of it until the appraisal was completed. Laws rendered this inconvenience and delay altogether unavoidable. Asked if Susan knew of the particular quantity of articles contained in the box. Received a letter from Julian Niemcewicz dated August 25 from Hamburg.

People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz
Henry Gahn to Susan U. Niemcewicz, November 24, 1802

Henry Gahn
1802-11-24

Henry Gahn wrote from New York, New York to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Gahn informed Susan that his friend and her distant relation, Mr. Ischel[?] intended to go to Elizabethtown and planned to have him deliver this letter to Susan directly. He proceeded in going through all the formalities of the Custom House and of the Public Store regarding the Wedgwood Ware. Believed she would receive it in good order and asked Susan to enquire about the arrival of the boat.
Henry Gahn to Susan U. Niemcewicz, October 8, 1802

Henry Gahn
1802-10-08

Henry Gahn wrote from New York, New York to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Received a few lines from Mr. [Julian] Niemcewicz dated London August 10^th. Julian had only a few moments to hand the letter to Mr. Murray. However, Murray did not forward the letter to Gahn until October [1802], even though Gahn had called on him and left a card at his house the day he returned to New York. Presumed that Murray did not want to continue their former acquaintance. Forwarded Julian’s letter addressed to Gahn, even though it was in French, so Susan could at least see her husband’s handwriting.

People mentioned: Mr. Murray, Julian U. Niemcewicz, Mr. Otto, and Peter Kean.
Henry Gahn to Susan U. Niemcewicz, September 7, 1802

Henry Gahn
1802-09-07

Henry Gahn wrote from New York, New York to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Sorry that he missed the opportunity of paying his respects to the charming young lady Susan mentioned. Discussed his retirement in New York. Susan’s instructions would always be received and followed with cheerfulness and punctuality. Gahn was informed that a vessel was to set sail for Hamburg in about ten days from the date of his letter, but there were other opportunities for the transmission of Susan’s correspondence with her husband, Julian Niemcewicz.

People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz
Henry Gahn to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, August 31, 1802

Henry Gahn
1802-08-31

Henry Gahn wrote from New York, New York to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Gahn informed Susan that he received a letter she addressed to Julian Niemcewicz, but was unsure how it came to his hand. Forwarded it to Amsterdam, along with a lengthy epistle from himself, undercover to a friend in that city who would send it to Hamburg.
John Grimke to Susan Niemcewicz, December 6, 1802

John Faucheraud Grimké
1802-12-06

John Grimke wrote from Charleston, South Carolina to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Grimke informed Susan that he received a duplicate of her letter from October 30^th. The Secretary of the Catawba Company, Mr. Tew, acted in conformity to the Directors of the Proprietors because it became necessary to know who meant to remain members of the Catawba Company and to collect annual sums. Had no doubt that the Directors would agree to extend the deadline. If not, Grimke would endeavor to advance the sum that appeared to be her balance.
LeRoy, Bayard & McEvers to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, September 21, 1802

LeRoy, Bayard & McEvers
09-21-1802

Receipt sent by LeRoy, Bayard & McEvers in New York to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz for financial transactions done on her behalf.
Herman LeRoy to Susan Niemcewicz, November 25, 1802

Herman LeRoy
1802-11-25

Herman LeRoy wrote from New York, New York to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. LeRoy informed Susan that Mr. James McEvers had delivered his note to the order of the House payable on the 1^st day of January 1804. Discussed more of Susan’s shares and credit on her Books. Happy to perceive that Susan had such decent accounts from Mr. Niemcewitz and that he enjoyed good health.
Herman LeRoy to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, August 14, 1802

Herman LeRoy
1802-08-14

Herman LeRoy wrote from New York, New York to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. LeRoy informed Susan that he had just returned from the Manhattan Bank where he planned to pay the installment for Susan’s Bread Company Shares. However, the Bank would not receive the installments unless the certificates or vouchers that were originally issued by the company accompany them. Asked Susan to send the certificates without delay.
James McEvers to Susan U. Niemcewicz, November 20, 1802

James McEvers
1802-11-20

James McEvers wrote from New York, New York to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Mrs. McEvers’ health had declined since the last time James McEvers saw Susan that her physician ordered her to take a long voyage to a milder climate. He planned to sale with her to Naples. McEvers renewed his note to Susan for $1200 payable the 1^st of July 1804. Asked if she wanted to make the same arrangement with the other two notes.

People mentioned: Mrs. McEvers
James McEvers to Susan U. Niemcewicz, October 7, 1802

James McEvers
1802-10-07

James McEvers wrote from New York, New York to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. McEvers informed Susan that he renewed his note for $1200 payable on the 1^st of January 1804 and endorsed Susan’s order as desired. This note, he delivered to Peter Kean and took up the old one. Warmly acknowledged Susan’s congratulations on the addition to his family.
Julian Niemcewicz to Susan U. Niemcewicz, December 15, 1802

Julian U. Niemcewicz
1802-12-15

Julian Niemcewicz wrote from Krakow, Poland to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Niemcewicz informed his wife that he received three of her letters. The joys of her tender solitude and affection that her letters filled him with were dampened on hearing she had not received any of his letters. Hoped at that point that all of his letters reached her. Planned to return to America in October. By chance, Julian met with Colonel Pollen, who traveled from Vienna and planned on only changing horses upon his arrival. Instead of staying an hour, he remained for six days visiting Julian. He showed the Colonel the Cathedral and the Palace of their Kings and could not withhold his tears when he saw the awful buildings turned into barracks for Austrian soldiers. Julian added an entry dated 1 January 1803 where he wished Susan and their mutual friends and family a happy new year. I dreadful earthquake occurred the previous fall that was felt in several places in Europe, two islands in archipelagoes disappeared. Discussed news of their mutual acquaintances.

People mentioned: Peter Kean, Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts, Dr. Ross, Maria Ricketts, Lady Sterling, Lady Kitty, Mary, and Mr. Rudgers.
Julian Niemcewicz to Susan U. Niemcewicz, November 10, 1802

Julian U. Niemcewicz
1802-11-10

Julian Niemcewicz wrote from Puławy, Poland to Susan U. Niemcewicz, unaddressed. Received Susan’s affectionate letter of July 19^th. Asked Susan to take care of her health and hoped Peter studied well. Suggested that Peter not be in a rush to go to college and prepare for it through his studies. Happy to hear Susan met with Mr. Barnwell and that he gave a satisfactory account of the Carolina business. Agreed with Susan that an addition to their house, or the purchase of a better one, was necessary. Susan did not mention anything about the servants in her last letter to Niemcewicz. He asked about Betty, Tom, Philip, and the baby and if Tom and the baby got through the smallpox successfully. Niemcewicz gave Susan an account of his visit to Prince Czartoryski and his magnificent country seat, Puławy. Found him in better health and with a new strength of body and mind. Niemcewicz arrived in Puławy late in the evening, the whole family with a number of gentlemen and ladies were assembled in an immense hall lighted and ornamented with pictures, looking glasses, etc. The Prince and the Princess gave Niemcewicz the most affectionate and friendly welcome. The following day, he went to take a tour of the gardens and palace. The apartments were furnished in various styles; Polish, Chinese, Italian, and French. The Prince and Princess lived downstairs, their apartments were furnished with great taste and elegance. The Prince’s library occupied a large hall and was numerous and the Princess had a fine gallery with pictures and statues. A greenhouse was filled with shrubs and flowers from almost every quarter of the world. He went on to describe the gardens surrounding the property. Niemcewicz met with his old friends including Doctor Goltz, an eminent physician. Inquired about their mutual friends in Elizabethtown and New York including Peggy, who was suffering from poor health, Philip Livingston, Lady Kitty, and Lady Sterling.

People mentioned: Prince Czartoryski, Dr. Goltz, Peggy, Philip Livingston, Lady Kitty, Lady Sterling, Mr. Otto, Peter Kean, Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts.

This document mentions servants including Tom, Betty, Philip, and a baby.
Julian Niemcewicz to Susan U. Niemcewicz, November 22, 1802

Julian U. Niemcewicz
1802-11-22

Julian Niemcewicz wrote from Lublin, Poland to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Niemcewicz arrived in Lublin to see one of his sisters in the Convent of the Holy Sacrament. When he entered the “awful gothic building,” he rang a bell and a nun came out and ushered him into a parlor where he was separated from the interior of the Convent by an iron grate. A few moments later his sister appeared and upon seeing him, she threw herself on the floor and pronounced a fervent prayer that brought both of them to tears. After composing themselves, they spoke for two hours. His sister’s faith made her happy and she was never allowed to stir from the convent. Niemcewicz added an entry dated Puławy 28 November. He returned to celebrate the Princess’s birthday and it was celebrated with great solemnity. He made her a present of George Washington’s tea cup. It was custom that on a birthday friends make a present and his gift was very well received, although he was sorry to say the saucer broke on the strong roads between Hamburg and Berlin. At the party, they attended a Polish Opera and Performance, which Niemcewicz recounted in detail in his letter. Received a letter from the President of their Literary Society who informed Niemcewicz that he was chosen as a member. Niemcewicz added an entry dated Wieliczka 2 December. He was on the spot of the ancient and celebrated mines of salt. The valuable mines were discovered in the eleventh century under Boleslaus the Pious King of Poland and extend in a horizontal circumference of 14,400 feet at a depth of 720 feet. Julian described the mines in great detail in the remainder of his letter.
Julian Niemcewicz to Susan U. Niemcewicz, October 29, 1802

Julian U. Niemcewicz
1802-10-29

Julian Niemcewicz wrote to Susan U. Niemcewicz, unaddressed. The following letter is a copy of the original he sent by mail a few days prior. In this letter, Niemcewicz recounted his travels from Goubergh to Poland, his reunion with his family and friends, and the state of his personal affairs. Continuing from his last missive, Niemcewicz arrived in Berlin and described it as an “immense beautiful city” and was surprised that such a large and populous city existed in such a barren country. The city was filled with troops from dawn until dusk. Niemcewicz was present at a small training of four thousand men and wished Peter was with him as he would have been delighted to see several thousand men marching to music in a straight line in the space of half a mile without wavering. Niemcewicz was very fatigued from traveling by wagon and stayed in Berlin for two days and three nights. While there, he purchased a second-hand couch for $100. From Berlin, he traveled to Warsaw where he was saddened to see the state of a capital of a large kingdom that had become a foreign town filled with foreign troops. The most magnificent of palaces of the nobles in a moment of terror and despondency had been sold for mere nothing and were turned into taverns and hotels. Niemcewicz lodged purposefully in a small hotel but was obliged to send his name to the police, upon which his arrival was immediately known. His lodgings became crowded with old friends and acquaintances. After a few days of rest, he continued to his native place. He passed Breese, the capital of their province, and the frontier town between the new Austria and Russian dominions. Niemcewicz spent the night with his cousin and reunited with his siblings. After leaving his cousin’s he dined with his youngest sister and her husband, who purchased the estate where Niemcewicz was brought up. That same evening, he dined with one of his brothers. Niemcewicz also gave an account of his personal familial and financial affairs. At the end of the letter, an entry was added dated October 4. It was Niemcewicz’s sister-in-law’s birthday and his brother was hosting a dinner for her. He claimed the dessert was not as handsome as Susan’s, the fruits not half as good. Deeply regretted that Susan was not with him but when he considered the fatigue of traveling, the nastiness, filth, and poverty of their taverns, and the society speaking only Polish and some French, Susan would likely be miserable. If Susan learned Polish or French, settled her and Peter’s affairs, and got over her aversion to sea voyages, she could live happily in Poland.

People mentioned: Prince Radziwell, Princess of Prussia, John Niemcewicz, Philip Livingston, Peter Kean, Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts, Mr. Murray, Mr. and Mrs. Bell, Lady Sterling, and Lady Kitty.
Julian U. Niemcewicz to Susan U. Niemcewicz, August 10, 1802

Julian U. Niemcewicz
1802-08-10

Julian U. Niemcewicz wrote from London, England to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Julian recounted his voyage from New York to London and informed his wife, Susan that it took 32 days to travel from land to land. He wished Susan was with him as London was exactly her taste. In London the roads were as even as floorboards, hedges lined both sides of the roads, dotted with various shrubs, wildflowers, beautiful villas, flocks of sheep, and cattle. The quantity of post chaises, stages, and private carriages rendered the scene extremely lively. All of the citizens felt free and independent but also kept their distance. Julian went to visit Mr. Otto the day after he arrived in London and received a cordial and affectionate welcome from him. Mr. Otto appeared younger compared to the silhouette Susan had of him. Dined with Otto and several strangers of distinction. Dinner was elegant. The table was set with fine new plates, dessert spoons and knives, fine china, and excellent wines. Julian planned to dine with Otto and Mr. Jackson at his country seat. Mentioned other mutual correspondents including Mr. Houston. Planned to take his passage to Hamburg within a few days. Julian found one of his Countrymen in London who had been with him in the army but afterward entered the French service. He complained of the way the brave Polish Legion was treated by French Generals. Hoped Peter was looking after Susan. Asked what Susan did with Eoff[?] and if she heard from Carolina. Wished he knew how Betty behaved as she was a source of Julian’s uneasiness. Hoped Tom was being a good and industrious boy and that Philip assisted him in his work. Asked about the crops in their garden. Feared of the youth of Elizabethtown and hoped Susan disposed of the property without a great loss. Received a lot of questions about America but assured Susan that he concealed everything wrong. Sent Susan a fashionable pin for her handkerchiefs.

People mentioned: Mr. Otto, Mr. Houston, Mr. Jackson, Eoff, Carolina, Betty, Tom, Philip, and Peter Kean.
Julian U. Niemcewicz to Susan U. Niemcewicz, July 4, 1802

Julian U. Niemcewicz
1802-07-04

Julian U. Niemcewicz wrote while at sea to Susan U. Niemcewicz, unaddressed (likely Elizabethtown, New Jersey). Niemcewicz informed Susan that they had set sail and he would soon lose sight of the peaceable shores of America, but would never lose the memory of Susan and their friends. There were too many people on board but they were otherwise as comfortable as could be. The passengers all appeared to be decent people and the captain was very attentive. Requested that Susan take care of her health and hoped Peter would be attentive to her. Asked Susan to tell Betty and Tom that upon Julian’s return, if Susan was pleased with them, they would receive a reward.