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Liberty Hall Collection 1800s

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Julian U. Niemcewicz to Susan U. Niemcewicz, October 23, 1802

Julian U. Niemcewicz
10-23-1802

Julian Niemcewicz in Skoki, Poland wrote to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, NJ. In this immensely long dispatch Julian detailed his journey through Europe to Susan step by step. The first stop on his trip was Berlin where he witnessed thousands of troops completing spectacular military drills, however, his stay was short and abrupt there as he was in a hurry to return to Warsaw to see his friends and family. To his disappointment, he found a shell of the city he once remembered as he wrote, "Warsaw the capital of a kingdom, the home of so many kings, the home of the nobility, of so many friends and relations, now it became a foreign town, filled up with foreign troops, the most magnificent of the palaces of the nobles, in a moment of terror and despondency had been sold for mere nothing and turned into taverns and hotels." He went on to explain how he was bombarded with company upon his arrival at the city and found a great deal of friends and acquaintances wherever he went. Additionally, he elaborated on how the Polish population was much happier than he anticipated under foreign rule as the Prussian king granted many different freedoms to them. He continued his journey onward towards the city of Brest in modern day Belarus and would reunite with his cousin, sister and two of his brothers. Julian and his family members shared an extremely emotional moment as they cried tears of joy and happiness. They then asked Julian many times about Susan and Peter and wished they had made the trip out to Europe as well. He stayed the night at his cousins and the next day traveled to his sister's home. While dining there, Julian learned that his childhood home had been purchased by her husband after falling out of the family hands during the revolution. After his meal he then traveled to his brother's large brick mansion estate known as "The Palace" and resided there for the night. The next page dealt primarily with the difficult financial situation that faced Julian's family and his plan to use money from America to earn eight percent interest and buy stocks while they were low in Europe. Next, Julian shared the regret he felt in not being by his father's side when he had passed away as there were rumors going around that priests had stole valuable materials from him shortly after his death. The rest of what Julian wrote focused mainly on Susan and Peter as he sent his best wishes back their way, although, it is noted that he planned to make a visit to Prince Czartoryski and the Potocki family, both of which had a great deal of influence within Poland at the time.
Julian Ursin Niemcewicz to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, July 1, 1802

Julian U. Niemcewicz
1802-07-01

Julian U. Niemcewicz wrote from New York, New York to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. For the sake of his and Susan’s feelings, Julian refrained from the strong desire to meet her once more in Elizabethtown. If Susan were to come to New York, he would be extremely happy. Sent Susan pineapples and shipped all of his baggage aside from a few small articles. One of the rattlesnakes on the vessel bit their dog earlier in the morning. Mr. Peal applied alkaly and the animal was in agony. They turned the cage doors towards the sea, so there was no danger. The vessel was on its way to Staten Island and they were to meet it on Saturday. If Susan did not come to New York Julian promised to write her twice a day and asked her to do the same. Mr. Carilot[?] informed Julian he dined with Mr. Otto. Intended to visit General Gates and dined the day prior with the Kennedys. Mrs. Wooley was going to Elizabethtown. Julian sent Calico for Polly and handkerchiefs for Betty and Tom.

People mentioned: Mr. Peal, Mr. Carilot, Mr. Otto, General Gates, the Kennedys, Mrs. Wooley, Polly, Betty, and Tom.
Julian U. Niemcewicz to Susan U. Niemcewicz, July 2, 1802

Julian U. Niemcewicz and J.B. Prevost
1802-07-02

The following document is a legal contract in which Julian U. Niemcewicz ordained, authorized, constituted, and appointed his wife, Susan U. Niemcewicz as his true and lawful attorney. Signed by J.B. Prevost.
Julian Niemcewicz to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, August 16, 1802

Julian Ursin Niemcewicz
1802-08-16

Julian U. Niemcewicz wrote from London, England to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Niemewicz enclosed the bill from Wedgwood and wished Susan was satisfied with the purchase. He also sent a Tapper [taper] because he knew Susan liked the candle sticks “clean and nice.” Sent Peter a diamond pin and told Susan to give it to him as a reward for his good behavior. Glad to quit the “abyss of money” as he felt it was inconceivable how dear everything was. Mr. Otto informed him that he spends about £450 a month. Niemcewicz extended his well wishes to Susan, Peter, the Ricketts, and the Daytons.

People mentioned: Peter Kean, Mr. Otto, Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts, Maria Ricketts, and the Daytons.
Julian U. Niemcewicz to Susan Niemcewicz, January 15, 1802

Julian Ursin Niemcewicz
1802-01-15

Julian Niemcewicz wrote from New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Niemcewicz could not give Susan an account of the business because nothing was going to transpire for an additional hour or two. He stayed with Susan’s brother, likely Philip Livingston, who was the same as usual. Mrs. Church was very happy to see him and insisted that he stay the evening to attend her small party. She dressed Niemcewicz in John’s small cloth and stockings. Mrs. Provost was brought to about the week prior with a dead child. She was very ill but was getting better. Planned to return to Susan the following evening.
Julian U. Niemcewicz to Susan Niemcewicz, January 16, 1802

Julian Ursin Niemcewicz
1802-01-16

Julian Niemcewicz wrote from New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Niemcewicz informed Susan he prevailed upon Mr. McEvers for $1500 more at the same conditions as the former, the note was endorsed by the entire firm on the advice of Mr. LeRoy. He purchased six shares of the New York Insurance Company. The party at Mrs. Church’s was very handsome. Wished he was with Susan but the poor weather delayed his returning home. People mentioned: Angelica Schuyler Church and Peter Kean.
Julian Ursin Niemcewicz to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, August 16, 1802

Julian Ursin Niemcewicz
1802-08-16

Julian U. Niemcewicz wrote from London, England to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Difficulties in acquiring his passport delayed Niemcewicz’s departure. Planned to set out for Harwich and from there proceed by sea to Cuxhaven, and from there take a boat down the Elbe for Hamburg. Niemcewicz spent his time in London seeing the most interesting curiosities of the immense capital. His acquaintances Lady Oxford, Lord Lichfield, and Wycomb Lady Livingston were all in the country and therefore only had Mr. Otto to see. They went together to dine with Mr. Jackson who gave them a farmers dinner which consisted of boiled chickens, a piece of pork, roasted mutton, cauliflowers, and peas. The dessert was all kinds of fruit placed in one basket and consisted of grapes, apricots, and peaches. Niemcewicz and Mr. Otto attended the British Museum and he found it vastly increased since the last time he saw it, particularly in Egyptian curiosities that were sent over by Lord Hutchinson. He saw other museums including natural history collections and mechanical inventions, and visited Kiew [Kew], Richmond, and the botanical garden. Purchased Susan a Desert set of Wedgwood and enclosed the bill with the contents. Mr. Fox was in France where he declared his marriage with Mrs. Armstead, with whom he had lived for many years. The stocks were falling and the business was dull. Discussed Bonaparte, the Commercial Treaty, Prussia, and Austria. Mr. Otto planned to sail for America in February or March. Mrs. Otto would not accompany him because of her delicate health. Extended his well wishes to Susan, Peter, Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts, Maria Ricketts, the Dayton family, and all of their friends in New York and Elizabethtown.

People mentioned: Peter Kean, Mr. and Mrs. Otto, Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts, Maria Ricketts, and the Daytons.
Julian Ursin Niemcewicz to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, August 25, 1802

Julian Ursin Niemcewicz
1802-08-25

Julian Ursin Niemcewicz wrote from Hamburg, Germany to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. This letter followed shortly after Niemcewicz’s last dated August 16 from London as he arrived in Hamburg. He once again updated Susan on his current affairs in Europe. His passage through the North Sea was pleasant and short, but he was detained in the Elbe by Calms due to winds and tides. He noted the boats were not half as good as the ones in Elizabethtown. He arrived in Holstein the following day and traveled the last post by land. Dined with Mr. and Mrs. Pitcairn, Mr. P. was unwell, he wore plaster on his nose and his forehead was covered with red spots and pimples. Niemcewicz could not afford a carriage to travel to Berlin so resorted to traveling by common post wagon. Referred to their mutual correspondents including Mr. Fox, who planned on publishing his History of England of a late period.

People mentioned: Mr. and Mrs. Pitcairn, Mr. and Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Church, Mrs. Dupone[?], Mrs. Armstrong, Mr. Fox, and Peter Kean. This document also references servants including Tom and Betty.
Julian Ursin Niemcewicz to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, June 25, 1802

Julian Ursin Niemcewicz
1802-06-25

Julian Ursin Niemcewicz wrote from New York, New York to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Niemcewicz informed his wife, Susan that he sent her Malaga wine, tea, two boxes of sugar, pepper, and crackers. He labeled everything and the boat was scheduled to arrive in Elizabethtown that evening. He saw Susan’s brother, Philip who was extremely ill with gout in his stomach but was recovering. Philip was selling his U.S. Bank Shares. Met Lady Kitty in the street and delivered Susan’s letter to Mrs. Ricketts. The Mayor [Edward Livingston] sent Niemcewicz an invitation for dinner and wanted to supply him with “Indian Trinkets.” The Vice President, Aaron Burr was in town with his daughter and her baby, who Niemcewicz claimed was certainly not half as pretty as their godlike baby.

People mentioned: Lady Kitty, Mrs. Ricketts, Edward Livingston, Aaron Burr, and Peter Kean.
Julian Ursin Niemcewicz to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, May 26, 1802

Julian Ursin Niemcewicz
1802-05-26

Julian Ursin Niemcewicz wrote from New York, New York to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Niemcewicz informed his wife, Susan that the eight shares were transferred the day before in her name. Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts did not plan on going to England that year. Saw Mrs. King, who was always out, and she asked about Susan. Planned to dine with Mrs. Rutherford. Ever since Miss Provost and Mrs. Caradeaux left New York, it did not hold the same pleasure for him.
Susan Niemcewicz and Peter Kean to Julian Niemcewicz, December 3, 1802

Susan Livingston Kean Niemcewicz and Peter Philip James Kean
1802-12-03

Susan Ursin Niemcewicz and Peter Kean wrote from Elizabethtown, New Jersey to Julian Ursin Niemcewicz in Warsaw, Poland. The letter was originally sent to H. Gahn Esqr. at No. 35 Wall Street, New York, New York, which was then forwarded to Julian Niemcewicz. Susan informed Julian that it would not do to send Peter’s letter without adding a few lines of her own. William Dayton borrowed all of the money they had unemployed and Eoff paid off all his debt. Requested that Julian send her two dozen pieces of fine, strong assorted tape and good, strong threads, and thread stockings. She was told that Swedish threads were the best in the world. Suggested that when he had clothes made up to order large seams to be turned in because Tom would benefit from it. Tom Pain [Thomas Paine] was with Mr. G. The Federalists were daily gaining ground, the parties were so equal in New Jersey that for the last two months neither side would yield. The state was without a governor and everything was going as well as when Bloomfield was at the head of affairs. “The Manhattans” were making interest in keeping a certain “little great man” from being Director. Both Mr. Edger and Mr. Church sent for Susan’s votes, the latter spoke first and obtained the proxies. Brockholst Livingston had Mr. R’s interest. Peter Kean added a few lines in his own hand. He thanked Julian for the handsome pin he sent him and how it reminded him of Julian’s kindness and shining qualities that Peter would always endeavor to imitate.

People mentioned: Peter Kean, Thomas Paine, William Dayton, Eoff, Mr. G, Joseph Bloomfield, John B. Church, Mr. Edgar, Mr. Ricketts, Brockholst Livingston, and Ann Ludlow.
Susan U. Niemcewicz to John Rutherford, July 18, 1802

Susan U. Niemcewicz
1802-07-18

Susan U. Niemcewicz wrote from Elizabethtown, New Jersey to John Rutherford near Trenton, New Jersey. Susan informed her cousin, John, that the Suit in Chancery that her uncle thought John would like to hear was not yet decided. Judge Gibbons, a man of great wealth from Georgia, purchased Colonel Cranes’ land near the new Ferry and likely also purchased one-third of Ogden and Dayton’s part. Gibbons had several conversations with Stiles about the property and Stiles claimed he was cheated out of his part. Mr. Barnwell was in Elizabethtown and wished to settle as much of the business of the bonds as possible, three were to be canceled. If John could not favor Susan with a visit, she asked him to forward the bonds to her. In the postscript, Susan wished there could be some way devised that their good old aunt might recover her Dower from some of the rich speculators who were in possession of their uncle’s property.

People mentioned: Judge Gibbons, Colonel Crane, Mr. Ogden, Mr. Dayton, Robert Barnwell, Julian Niemcewicz, and Peter Kean.
Susan U. Niemcewicz to Julian Niemcewicz, November 18, 1802

Susan U. Niemcewicz
1802-11-18

Susan U. Niemcewicz wrote from Elizabethtown, New Jersey to Julian Niemcewicz, unaddressed. Relieved to receive Julian’s long letter and that he arrived safely over the perils of sea voyages. Thanked him for the pins, taper candlestick, the Wedgwood Ware, and the Old English Baron. The taste displayed in choosing each article was great and the transportation was attended with very good fortune, only a cream ladle was broken. If Julian returned by way of England, Susan asked him to purchase 4 dishes of handsome shapes and 2 cream and sugar bowls, but only if it was perfectly convenient to his finances. She also requested a set of wine glasses, 4 pint and 2-quart decanters, 4 water carofts (carafes), 4 urns with covers for pickles or sweetmeats, tumblers to match the other articles, and 18 silver-bladed dessert knives. Respecting a house, Susan could not answer. She told many people that she wanted to dispose of her and Julian’s home in Elizabethtown but no one offered to take it. In terms of friend and domestic concerns, Susan informed Julian that the troops of the Barracks had been orderly and that her generals and forces had been kept quietly in their quarters. Tom behaved peaceably though he required a strict commanding officer. He showed a strong disposition to be out of quarters after Susan’s bedtime and she found it expedient to place him at the head of the stairs to prevent the enemy’s attacking the chamber door. Phil was a very good officer but talked too much. Madam Betty had full power to quit the service and a discharge was signed but, according to Susan, Betty knew her own interest too well to accept the discharge and she was fully determined to bring 1 or 2 recruits to join the corps. In the civil department, Polly refused to leave her situation until Julian returned. Susan suggested that Julian choose a wine with the help of Mrs. Otto and requested more items including plain neat shoes made of silk and leather, a glass lanthorn, and household linen for the table and beds. Mentioned their friends Mrs. Bell, Mr. Ricketts, Phil Livingston, and Mrs. Livingston. Peter was determined that no boy would understand their language or arithmetic more than him and felt that he was ready to attend college in the Autumn. Desired Mitchel to procure the best kind of wood to build a carriage with. With Peter’s care, the horse was almost cured of the heaves.

People mentioned: Mr. and Mrs. Otto, Mrs. Bell, Mr. Ricketts, Philip Livingston, Mrs. Livingston, Mr. Rutgers, and Henry Gahn.

This letter refers to servants Tom, Philip, Betty, and Polly.
Susan U. Niemcewicz to Julian U. Niemcewicz, November 14, 1802

Susan U. Niemcewicz
11-14-1802

Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, NJ wrote to her husband Julian U. Niemcewicz in Warsaw, Poland. In the dispatch Susan mainly expressed her love and desire to see him. Additionally, she talked of how Peter spent much of his time writing and, toward the end of the letter, thanked Julian for sending a dessert dish set from overseas.

People Mentioned: Mr. Gahn, Mr. and Mrs. Rutgers, and the Dayton Family.
Susan U. Niemcewicz to LeRoy, Bayard, and McEvers, October 8, 1802

Susan U. Niemcewicz
1802-10-08

Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey wrote to Le Roy, Bayard, and McEvers in New York, New York. Susan Niemcewicz informed Le Roy, Bayard, and McEvers that Mr. William Dayton wished to borrow the money that stood in her credit on their books.
Susan U. Niemcewicz to LeRoy, Bayard, and McEvers, October 8, 1802

Susan U. Niemcewicz
1802-10-08

Susan U. Niemcewicz wrote from Elizabethtown, New Jersey to LeRoy, Bayard, and McEvers in New York, New York. Susan Niemcewicz informed LeRoy, Bayard, and McEvers that she would willingly loan $3250 on Hackinsac and Passaac Bridge Shares and requested that the interest be paid quarterly. Discussed her 9 Bank Shares. Enclosed a check for five hundred and fifteen dollars and twenty cents, which with the amount to her credit on their Books, made up three thousand two hundred and fifty dollars.
Gustavus Risberg to Susan Niemcewicz, January 29, 1802

Gustavus Risberg
1802-01-29

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Having just received the rent and dividends due, Risberg waited on Susan with his account for the last year. Enclosed a draft on New York for one hundred forty-five dollars and forty-seven cents.
Gustavus Risberg to Susan Niemcewicz, January 31, 1802

Gustavus Risberg
1802-01-31

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Riseberg sent Susan a statement of his annual account and enclosed Mr. Simpson’s draft for the balance of one hundred forty-five dollars and forty-seven cents. No dividends were received on the N.A. Insurance Shares, however, were worth six dollars a share and would be worth more in value in a few years.

People mentioned: Consul Gahn and Peter Kean
Gustavus Risberg to Susan Niemcewicz, May 13, 1802

Gustavus Risberg
1802-05-13

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg’s inquiries regarding Susan’s enslaved African Americans were unsuccessful. Received the ground rent from R.W. Morris and eclosed a remittance of one hundred dollars in Mr. Simpson’s draft on New York. Discussed the N.A. Land Company, Canal, and Turnpike Shares.
Gustavus Risberg to Susan U. Niemcewicz, July 26, 1802

Gustavus Risberg
1802-07-26

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan that he enclosed a draft on New York for one hundred and thirty dollars.
Gustavus Risberg to Susan U. Niemcewicz, October 28, 1802

Gustavus Risberg
10-28-1802

Gustavus Risberg in Philadelphia, PA wrote to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, NJ. The letter opened with Gustavus explaining some financial activities he planned to make on Susan's behalf. Additionally, he informed her Julian Niemcewicz, her husband, had arrived safely in Europe.

People Mentioned: Mr. Simpson, Mr. Coxe, Julian Niemcewicz, Peter Kean
Gustavus Risberg to Susan U. Niemcewicz, October 4, 1802

Gustavus Risberg
1802-10-04

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg enclosed a copy of a letter from Mr. Rinker to Mr. G. Simpson claiming the balance of the legacy granted to the late Mrs. Rinker and asked for Susan’s instructions on how to act in this “unpleasant business.”
Gustavus Risberg to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, April 14, 1802

Gustavus Risberg
1802-04-14

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Enclosed a remittance for one hundred dollars. In May, half a year Ground Rent would become payable by R.W. Morris, which Risberg would remit as soon as it was received. Observed that Susan had three African Americans in the city and asked for their names. Stocks of all kinds continued steadily. Brown believed none would experience any material depression from the current administrators of their government.
Gustavus Risberg to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, June 29, 1802

Gustavus Risberg
1802-06-29

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Referenced a woman and her two sons that Susan mentioned in her last letter. Regretted to hear that Julian Niemcewicz had to visit Europe, which deprived Susan of his company. Discussed stocks and included the quoted rates. Risberg’s son had just returned from his first voyage to the East Indies and presented his compliments to Susan.
William Stephens to Susan U. Niemcewicz, April 30, 1802

William Stephens
1802-04-30

William Stephens wrote from Savannah, Georgia to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Hoped to share some account of a lease of Susan’s lands in Savannah. Stephens knew Mr. Dennis Susan mentioned in her previous letter, that he was a dear neighbor but did not seem inclined to lease Susan’s lot. To sell the land would be an injury towards Susan’s son, Peter. The Deed for the lands entrusted to Stephens was being returned to her by a friend. Received a letter from Major Barnwell who made a contract of some land of Susan’s, Barber’s Islands, and a small tract about 11 miles from Savannah.