Liberty Hall Collection 1800s

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  Peter Kean to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, June 29, 1809

  Peter Philip James Kean

  06-29-1809
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Albany, NY to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, his mother, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. he has arrived at Albany and met with many of his friends.

  People Included: William Jay, General Clarkson, Sally, W. Edgar and family, A. Ogden, Miss. Cath, Mrs. and Miss Rush, Mrs. Beagley

  Places Included: Baltimore

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  Peter Kean to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, March 19, 1809

  Peter Philip James Kean

  03-19-1809
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Charleston, SC to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, his mother, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. He discusses how business seems to move slower in Charleston and he cannot wait for the peace and quiet of Beaufort and eventually, home.

  People Included: Judege Grimke, Colonel S.,

  Places Included: Beaufort, Savannah

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  Peter Kean to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, March 27, 1809

  Peter Philip James Kean

  03-27-1809
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Beaufort, SC to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, his mother, in Elizabeth Town, NJ. Peter is glad Susan returned safely from New York. He expresses how he misses everyone back home but did enjoy his time in Beaufort where people treat him like family. He sold some of the South Carolina land.

  People Included: Rutherford, Watts, Rutgers, William Jay, Sally (presumably Sarah Sabina Morris), John Kean (JK 1755), Robert Barnwell, Elliot, General Pickney, Maria Palmer

  Places Included: Parris Island, North Carolina, Virginia, New York

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  Peter Kean to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, March 3, 1809

  Peter Philip James Kean

  03-03-1809
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Charleston, SC to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, his mother, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. Susan's original estimate of the value of the land in Georgia was too low, but the land has to be surveyed.

  People Included: Stevens, Robert Barnwell

  Places Included: Georgia

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  Peter Kean to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, March 5, 1809

  Peter Philip James Kean

  03-05-1809
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Charleston, SC to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, his mother, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. Peter met with Judge Grimke regarding accounts at the Santee Canal and sought advice on property sales. Peter expresses that he wished he had the mean to keep the house in Beaufort as a winter residence as it would benefit his mother's health. He also wrote about how he misses his Sally (Jay).

  People mentioned: Judge Grimke, Colonel L.S., General Pickney, Sally Jay, Major Lattton (?)

  Places Included: Wharf property, Santee Canal, Beaufort

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  Peter Kean to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, May 31, 1809

  Peter Philip James Kean

  05-31-1809
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Charleston, SC to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, his mother, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. Account statements will be prepared and left with Habersham. Peter was sick while in Savannah and detained there, but will proceed home soon.

  People Included: John Habersham, Judge Stevens

  Places Included: Savannah

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  Indenture from Susan Ursin Niemcewicz to Peter Kean

  Susan Ursin Niemcewicz and Henry Brockholst Livingston

  01-30-1809
  

  Indenture drawn up by Henry Brockholst Livingston on Behalf of Susan Ursin Niemcewicz to give Peter Kean power of attorney to sell or lease her property in South Carolina and Georgia.

  People Included: Catherine Livingston

  Places Included: Charleston, SC

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  Robert Barnwell to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, August 5, 1808

  Robert Barnwell

  08-05-1808
  

  Robert Barnwell wrote from Beaufort, South Carolina to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey. He states that in accordance with John Kean's will the conveyances to Peter are in Barnwell's name and will go to Peter when he turns 21.

  People included: John Kean (JK 1755), Peter Philip James Kean

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  Robert Barnwell to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, February 29, 1808

  Robert Barnwell

  02-29-1808
  

  Robert Barnwell wrote from Beaufort, South Carolina to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz. He talks about sending her money for his bonds and discusses different lands in South Carolina.

  People Included: Peter Philip James Kean, Ricketts family

  Places Included: Parris Island

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  Robert Barnwell to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, June 21, 1808

  Robert Barnwell

  06-21-1808
  

  Robert Barnwell wrote from Beaufort, South Carolina to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey. The letter was delivered to Susan by his nephew James Cuthbert. Barnwell is awaiting her reply to his previous letter.

  Places included: Northwardly

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  Robert Barnwell to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, March, 1808

  Robert Barnwell

  03-01-1808
  

  Robert Barnwell wrote from Beaufort, South Carolina to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz. His discussed his health and how he had been unable to use his hands and thus unable to write for several months. Susan had transmitted him some deeds for property in Georgia and he said that M. Stephens would be a better fit to manage it. He also discusses John Kean's will and rent due on Parris Island.

  People Included: M. Stephens, Jane Grove, John Kean (JK1755), John Barnwell, Peter Philip James Kean

  Places Included: Georgia, Barbers Island, Parris Island

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  Robert Barnwell to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, September 29, 1808

  Robert Barnwell

  09-29-1808
  

  Robert Barnwell wrote from Beaufort, South Carolina to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabeth Town, NJ. Peter Philip James Kean will visit Beaufort shortly and stay with Barnwell to see the property he has inherited.

  Places Included: New York, Northwardly

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  Peter Kean to Henry Gahn, February 22, 1808

  Peter Philip James Kean

  1808-02-22
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Albany, New York to Henry Gahn, unaddressed. Peter took the liberty of enclosing a letter to Mr. Niemcewicz and asked that he forward it to him by the first opportunity. The letter would be presented to him by Theodore Sedgewick, one of the gentlemen in whose office Peter was pursuing his legal studies in.

  People mentioned: Julian Ursin (Ursyn) Niemcewicz (1758-1841) and Theodore Sedgwick (1780-1839)

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  Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, December 6, 1808

  Peter Philip James Kean

  1808-12-06
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Petersburgh, Virginia to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter tore himself away from Richmond much sooner than he would have liked but was looking forward to returning to the arms of his true parent and to the society of his Sally. The manners of the inhabitants of Richmond whom Peter became acquainted with were friendly. He was indebted to the Gibsons, Mr. J. Taylor and his lady, and Mr. B. Harrison. Major Gibson went looking for Peter as soon as he arrived in Richmond and invited him to his house. Judge Griffin and Colonel Carrington inquired after Susan.

  People mentioned: Sarah Louisa Jay (1792-1818), John Gibson (1740 – 1822), Cyrus Griffin (1748–1810), and Edward Carrington (1748 – 1810).

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  Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, February 12, 1808

  Peter Philip James Kean

  1808-02-12
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Albany, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Sally Jay had a violent cold and developed a violent sore throat but was feeling much better as Peter penned his letter to Susan. From Mrs. B’s, Peter went to an auction of law books. On the advice of Mr. Bleecker, Peter purchased $80 worth of books, which normally would have cost $150. The books belonged to a young lawyer named Mr. Jones who had passed away. Mr. B was one of the executors and told Peter he would wait until he could procure the money for payment or advance it himself. On Saturday, Peter was in court all day and saw the famous Emmet and heard him speak. Emmet was a good lawyer and so rare a thing that a Democrat would be a good one. The party considered him equal to Hamilton. Mr. Harrison and Mr. Hoffman arrived. Peter spent the day at church and in the evening with Mrs. Rodman, who was a woman of genius and talents.

  People mentioned: Mr. B, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Jones, Emmet[?], Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804), Sarah Louisa Jay (1792-1818), and Mr. and Mrs. Rodman.

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  Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, February 16, 1808

  Peter Philip James Kean

  1808-02-16
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Albany, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. In Peter’s last letter he mentioned he was planning to dine with the patroon. The dinner was handsome and the company agreeable. Judge Benson stayed there and made many enquiries after Susan. Mrs. Van R. was a beautiful woman but did not know how to keep up a conversation in such a manner to make her guests at home. Peter called on Mr. Henry when he returned from the patroon and they had a conversation on law subjects. Mr. Henry shared a course of reading to Peter, which would occupy 4 years of his life. Mrs. H invited Peter to a party and he sat with Sally the entire evening. She had a natural gaiety and innate modesty. On Sunday, Peter wrote that the previous week had been a very disputed one. The Epidemic of Gayety took root in Albany and grew into 12 branches called tea parties. Peter attended three; one at Mr. Luches, one at Miss Westerlo’s, and another at Dr. Willards. Peter told S.J. that he would go and see her sister whom he found employed in making paper flowers. Peter stayed there till ten then came home and blessed himself that he did not know 4 of the ladies who were to give parties that week.

  People mentioned: Judge Benson, Mrs. Van R, Mr. and Mrs. Henry, Mr. Luche, Miss Westerlo, Dr. Willard, and Sarah Louisa Jay (1792-1818).

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  Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, February 4, 1808

  Peter Philip James Kean

  1808-02-04
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Albany, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter thought that it was time something definite was determined regarding Susan visiting Peter in Albany. The society of his parent and one or two of his friends was all that Peter needed to make him completely happy during his residence. On the 5^th of February, Peter was in court all day listening to a case of some importance and spent that evening at Mrs. Bz’s. Peter and Sally conversed on many common subjects and in everything she said, Sally displayed great goodness and an excellent heart. On Saturday, Peter heard an eloquent speech from a Mr. Williams who resided at Hudson. He was a man that never received a classical education but was designed by his parents to move in some humbler walk of life. The force of his genius was so great that notwithstanding the difficulties under which he laboured, he had acquired more reputation as an orator than almost any lawyer in the State. Mr. Stevens was there on business with the legislature and wanted an act passed to authorize him and others to build a bridge over the North River. The Executive Secretary of State, Thomas Tillotson, was also there and perceiving that he would be turned out of office, he resigned. Mr. Houston arrived and informed Peter that he was there regarding Mr. Bayard’s estate and planned to petition the Legislature. Mr. Gould, Peter’s roommate, was a pleasant man, a warm Federalist, and an elegant scholar. On Sunday, Peter attended church and Mr. Beazly delivered a good sermon but his delivery grew worse and worse. His Charity Sermon was published for the use of the Society. Peter mentioned the weather in Albany and complained that it was not cold enough. They had nothing but Southerly and Easterly winds since the middle of January. Peter did not have the vanity to suppose he was a favorite amongst the young lady in question. He believed she knew that she was a great favorite of his. Peter attended a party at Miss Beacker’s and was delighted to find a niece of Mrs. Rutherford’s, Sally Morris, whom he had formerly known in New York. She was very tall and according to Peter, not as beautiful as she formerly was.

  Mr. Williams, Mr. Gould, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Houston, Mr. Beazly, Thomas Tillotson (1751/1752 - 1832), Frederick Beasley (1777-1845), Sarah Louisa Jay (1792-1818), Sarah Sabina Morris (1788-1878)

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  Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, January 10, 1808

  Peter Philip James Kean

  1808-01-10
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Albany, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Since Peter’s last letter, they had a terrible snow storm. Mrs. Bz. was very well and from appearances will be confined in a few months. Mr. B mentioned Susan coming to Albany and seemed to dwell upon it with pleasure. Sally Jay still occupied Peter’s thoughts although she was only 16. Her character had not yet completely formed but Peter would venture to take her for better or worse. Sally’s face was indication of one of the finest dispositions imagination could fancy. In the postscript, Peter mentioned that he was going to a son of General Schuyler’s who had ruined himself in law business.

  People mentioned: Sarah Louisa Jay (1792- 1818), Robert S. and William Jay (1789-1858), General Philip Schuyler (1733-1804).

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  Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, January 21, 1808

  Peter Philip James Kean

  1808-01-21
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Albany, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter set out to Easton and hid road laid through Troy and Lansingburg, two beautiful villages situated on the banks of the Hudson both of them supported by the trade they carry on with New York (which was greatly injured by the Embargo). Met with Col. Troup some days ago and had a long conversation with him about Susan. Troup enquired politely about her health &c. The Mr. Schuyler that Peter went to visit was a son of the General’s. He ruined himself with debauches, was both bankrupt in health and fortune, and lost his character for veracity. Peter went to his home regarding a promise Mr. Schuyler made with Mr. S. however, regardless of all faith he absolutely refused to follow through. Peter spent the following evening with Mrs. Banyer where he met Mr. Jacob Le Roy who informed him that Mr. Rutherford claimed Gen. Read left all of his property in America to his wife’s relations. L spoke of coming to Albany to study Law. Peter’s final evening was spent with Mrs. B. While there, James Kane came in and they began teasing him about Miss Troup. The conversation led to Mr. Le Roy teasing Sally, he asked Mr. K who her admirer was. Mr. K replied, “that is a nice question, it might implicate some of the present company.” The blood rushed to Peter’s cheeks and he felt that he should have drunk for the first time in his life. Gen. Van Courtland arrived. The reason for his visit was private business but Peter suspected that he was taking measures for the presidential election.

  People mentioned: Philip Jeremiah Schuyler (1768-1835), General Philip Schuyler (1733-1804), Sarah Louisa Jay (1792-1818), Jacob Le Roy, Mrs. Banyer, Miss Troup, James Kane, General Van Courtland, and General Read.

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  Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, January 22, 1808

  Peter Philip James Kean

  1808-02-22
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Albany, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter had just returned from Waterford, a village situated on the East side of the Mohawk. His party included Mr. and Mrs. Rodman, Messrs. Gold, Bleecker, Clarke, one of the Miss Caldwell’s, and Miss Bridgin. They traveled on a road for some distance along the Hudson whose majestic banks covered with snow and pendant icicles here and there interspersed with towns gave rise to sensations by no means unpleasing. They crossed the river over an ill built bridge about two hundred yards below the Coho’s. Peter spent eight hours at his desk on Tuesday and spent the evening in company at a Miss Bleecker’s, whom he never saw before. The room Peter spoke of was about 22 by 20 feet with a deep closet and folding doors where there was room for a large bed. Susan could indulge herself as much as she pleased in lying in bed without the fear of having to scold servants. On Thursday, the Chancellor had been in town but Peter did not see him.

  People mentioned: Mr. and Mrs. Rodman, Messrs. Gold, Bleecker, Clarke, a Miss Caldwell, Miss Bridgin, and Robert R. Livingston (1746-1813).

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  Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, January 23, 1808

  Peter Philip James Kean

  1808-01-23
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Albany, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter had one legislator from Richmond put into his room with whom he was not pleased with but, the Legislator moved to another room with a brother democrat and Mr. Gould from Whitestown was moved into Peter’s room. Gould was a lawyer in the Western Country and an accomplished scholar. The books Peter was reading deprived him of the pleasure of attending recitations of Latin and Greek that winter. Once Susan was comfortably settled in Albany, he would attend to those important branches of scholarship. The Lieutenant Governor arrived and Judge Livingston mentioned that Peter was there and who he was in relation to him. The river began to break up and it was a strange site, the cakes of ice piled one on the other and came pouring down carrying along with them everything in their way. Henry Ogden arrived enroute to Canada, he was taking 60 or 80 thousand dollars to make payments for furs. Peter stopped on the way to the dance for Sally [Jay], they had a charming evening and danced together a great deal. The legislator convened and the Governor made a speech with praised the magnanimity of the general government and the wisdom of Congress in laying an embargo without knowing the reason why they did it. Dewitt Clinton and Ambrose Spencer ruled New York with a high hand and as they both had hopes of ascending by Southern interest, the people of New York had to suffer for it.

  People mentioned: Sarah Louisa Jay (1792-1818), William Jay (1789 – 1858), Henry Ogden, Dewitt Clinton (1769-1828), and Ambrose Spencer (1765–1848).

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  Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, January 29, 1808

  Peter Philip James Kean

  1808-01-29
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Albany, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. After Peter wrote to Susan that morning, Mr. Barber visited and gave him a letter from Susan enclosing $15 for which Peter returned his sincere thanks. Col. Rutgers was not planning on visiting Albany that winter. The piece signed “Thousands of the People” was written by Mr. Bears of Albany. Peter was unsure of the author who signed a piece “An American.” He continued to discuss the study of law in the Western Country. Peter had not seen Miss Jay except at church for a week.

  People mentioned: Mr. Barber, Mr. Bears, Mr. Henry, Mr. Westerlo, Col. Troup, and Sarah Louisa Jay (1792-1818).

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  Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, January 8, 1808

  Peter Philip James Kean

  1808-01-08
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Albany, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter’s last letter by some unaccountable oversight in the young gentleman whose turn it was to take the letter to the post office was left on the mantel piece in his office, which would account for Susan not having received it in due time. Peter neglected to share anything about his address and proceeded to provide a sketch of its principal parts. Mentioned that he had a conversation with Mr. Beazly who requested that Susan visit Albany. Peter also discussed investments of property in Albany and mutual friends and correspondents. Mrs. Bell had not written to any of her friends as she was dealing with misfortunes. Mr. Richardson, her brother in law, put an end to his existence shortly after her arrival at Palmyra.

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  Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, March 7, 1808

  Peter Philip James Kean

  1808-03-07
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Albany, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter claimed that with the exception of being very love sick he was otherwise in good health. S. [Sally Jay] accused Peter that he paid her compliments that the innocent and amiable girl detested. He tried to convince her of his sincerity but such was her diffidence that she would not believe the truth. Peter took a walk with Sally and Miss Lansing the following day. Peter received Susan’s letter of the twenty seventh enclosing a check for one hundred and six dollars. Discussed mutual friends and acquaintances. Robert Sedgwick left Albany for New York so Peter had no one but the Jay family to associate with. People mentioned: Sarah Louisa Jay (1792-1818), Miss Lansing, Robert Sedgwick

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  Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, November 12, 1808

  Peter Philip James Kean

  1808-11-12
  

  Peter Kean wrote from Belvedere, Maryland to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Susan may be a little surprised to find that Peter was still in Belvedere but the kindness and hospitality he received made it difficult for him to leave. He planned to tear himself away the following morning so he could be present at the debate Monday, which he trusted would be interesting as it pertained to raising the Embargo. Peter attended a dance at Mr. Hollens where he saw a great number of beautiful woman, but none who could make him forget Sally Jay. On Tuesday, Peter dined with Mr. Barnabue where he had accepted Mr. C. Carrol’s invitation where he met Mr. and Mrs. Middleton of Carolina. Mr. Middleton informed Peter that he knew his father. The following evening, Peter dined with Mr. Harper. Thursday, he was obliged to refuse an invitation to dine with old Mr. Gilmore in consequence of an engagement with Dr. McHenry the former Secretary of War. However, John and Peter left the Dr’s. early and went to the “old Gent’s” where they met old Mr. Carrol. Planned to dine with Mr. R Gilmore who married Miss Ladson. Peter attended Mass with Mr. Barnabue who carried him to the Bishop’s who was one of the most venerable old men Peter had ever seen.

  People mentioned: Henry Middleton (1770 - 1846), Charles Carroll (1737 – 1832), John Kean (1756-1795), Robert Gilmor, Sr. (1748-1822), James McHenry (1753 – 1816), and Robert Gilmor Jr. (1774–1848).