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Liberty Hall Collection 1800s

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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
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
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
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
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
Peter Kean to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, December 16, 1808

Peter Philip James Kean
12-16-1808

Peter Kean wrote from Charleston, South Carolina to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, his mother, in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey. Peter arrived in Charleston the day before and tells her of his plans and the people he will see there.

People Included: Judge Grimke, R. Izard, William Hayward, General Pickney

Places Included: Beaufort
Peter Kean to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, December 28, 1808

Peter Philip James Kean
12-28-1808

Peter Kean wrote from Beaufort, South Carolina to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, his mother, in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey. He describes to her his journey from Charleston and arrival in Beaufort. He discusses at length possible plans for the property he has inherited and what its value is. He plans to go to the property in Georgia after South Carolina. He asks her to send copies of releases right away to him.

People Included: Robert Barnwell, John Barnwell, Mrs. Barnwell, Judge Grimke, Mr. Greyson, Philip Peter Livingston, Mr. Jay, Mrs. Bells

Places Included: New York, Albany, Parris Island, Georgia,
Benjamin Strong and Archibald Gracie for the Presbyterian Church in Cedar Street, December 19, 1808

Bejamin Strong and Archibald Gracie
12-19-1808

Certification by Benjamin Strong and Archibald Gracie regarding the election of trustees for the Presbyterian Religious Society in Cedar Street, City of New York. The certification also states that they were to now be known as The Presbyterian Church in Cedar Street.

People Included: Oliver Wolcott, Selah Strong, Elisha Cait, Lynde Catlin, Ebenezer Stevens, Caleb S. Riggs, William Codman, William Lovett
Mrs. Barnet to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, October 14, 1807

Unknown Barnet
10-14-1807

Mrs. Barnet wrote from Bordeaux, France to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey. She talks at great length about trade regulations and the impact of the Napoleonic Wars on trade in Europe. Mrs. Barnet is the mother of J.C. Barnet, a friend of Julian Ursin Niemcewicz.

People Included: Peter Philip James Kean, Julian Ursin Niemcewicz, J.C. Barnet, Mrs. Armstrong, Altha.

Places Included: Paris, Poland.
Journal written by Julian U. Niemcewicz, November 6, 1807

Julian U. Niemcewicz
1807-11-06

The following item is a journal that belonged to Julian Niemcewicz. Amongst the text, Julian noted the pounds, shillings, and pence for a number of items including literary works such as Morse Geographia and Plutarch. He also listed expenses in Philadelphia, recorded population numbers in France, and wrote down business expenditures including shares for the Santee Canal, New Jersey Turnpike, Morristown Turnpike, and bonds with various individuals. Note this journal is not written in English but appears to be composed in Polish and French.
Bank Book Susan U. Niemcewicz, U.S. Bank of Discount Deposit, New York, NY, March 10, 1807

Susan U. Niemcewicz
1807-03-10

The following document is Susan U. Niemcewicz's check book that contains receipts of deposits and payments.
Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, circa October 1807

Christine Williams
circa October 1807

Christine Biddle wrote to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Mr. [Thomas] Biddle received a check last Saturday for Mr. Binney’s rent, which Christine enclosed. Delighted that Miss Chew gave the most favorable account of Susan’s health and spirits. Christine had been engaged in writing to her friends in England as the difficulties between the two governments excited uneasiness in their minds. Their cousin Nicholas Biddle had just returned who was a fine, accomplished young man.

People mentioned: Thomas Alexander Biddle (1776-1857), Marianne Alexander Williams (?-1816), and Nicholas Biddle (1786-1884).
Nancy Ogden and Joel Conger to Susan U. Niemcewicz, June 10, 1806

1806-06-10

The following document is a deed between Nancy Ogden, Joel Conger, and Polly his wife with Susan Niemcewicz for land in Elizabethtown, New Jersey.
Susan Niemcewicz bought Mr. Bellasis Vendue, May 2, 1806

05-02-1806

The following document is a list of items Susan Niemcewicz purchased at Mrs. Bellasis’s public auction. Items include a French cup and saucer, a cane and mahogany chair, an armed chair with cushion, a large blanket, 1 pair of horses, 1 vol. of Life of Swift by Sheridan, 1 vol. of Franklin’s Works, and 4 vols of Dictionnaire de Bayle.
Susan Niemcewicz with Jonas Wade, January 1, 1806

1806-01-01

The following document is a receipt for 80 feet of hickory wood and cord between Susan Niemcewicz and Jonas Wade.
Robert Barnwell to Susan Niemcewicz, January 6, 1806

Robert Barnwell
1806-01-06

Robert Barnwell wrote to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Barnwell had just returned from Columbia where he was attending the Legislature when he had the pleasure of receiving a letter from both Peter (Kean) and Susan. Barnwell felt incompetent to answer satisfactorily regarding Susan’s questions in relation to Georgia, the land called the “Great Thickets.” He believed the land was assigned in trust and therefore could not be sold. Even if the price were good, Barnwell pondered whether the present would be an adventitious time for selling land due to the caterpillar year. Sorry to inform Susan that the estate had the misfortune of sustaining a considerable loss due to a fire in the stable and kitchen. Based on the tone of Susan’s letter, Barnwell feared that she did not receive his letter which was of great importance to him which he wrote in the Fall. In the letter, he informed Susan that he was apprehensive that he would not be able to discharge his bond due to Susan for that year. Was pleased with Peter’s last letter and hoped he was applying himself. Barnwell’s sister had the misfortune of losing her youngest son, William, in the fall. Ralph Elliott also lost his only son. Polly Barhash[?] married a merchant.

People mentioned: Peter Kean, Julian Niencewicz, and Mr. and Mrs. Bellasize.
Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, April 8, 1806

Christine Biddle
1806-04-08

Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine’s mother informed her in a letter recently that she was to provide Mrs. Balasize with further information on a maid Christine had proposed to her. Mrs. Fox, with whom Mrs. Belasize lived, was displeased at Christine’s interference. Christine feared that this would deprive Mrs. Belasize of a valuable servant. Christine did not want to send any of her servants there until everything was settled. If Mrs. Belasize would let Christine know when she intended to depart, she would send for the woman and let her know the result. Happy that Susan was going to favor her and her husband, Thomas, with a visit. Christine’s mother desired her to get cotton for Susan and Miss Hylton but there was a shortage in the city. Ever since Mr. Risberg ceased to act as Susan’s agent, the dividends for the two shares of the U.S. Bank in the name of Mr. [John] Kean had been (by the direction of the cashier) transmitted to the New York Branch.

People mentioned: Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Balasize, Julian Niemcewicz, Peter Kean, and Thomas Biddle (1776-1857).
Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, August 26, 1806

Christine Biddle
1806-08-26

Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine acknowledged the note on top of the letter that reads; received August 26, 1806, of Mr. Thomas Biddle a package said to contain sundry deeds from Mrs. Armstrong of Elizabethtown. Signed Jacob G. Wilks. Christine asked Susan to ask Eve to look in the room she stayed in the last time she was at Susan’s house to ascertain whether she left her lilac silk shawl behind. Christine feared it was stolen similar to other articles in her house. Mr. B was taking measures to discover the thief. Besides the twelve dollars Christine spoke of, fifteen dollars that belonged to her sister, Lydia, had been carried away in a most alarming manner. Lydia laid her bag down in which the money was in for a few moments in the parlor, when she returned the money was gone. Christine informed Susan that she was fortunate that her servants were at least honest.

People mentioned: Thomas A. Biddle (1776-1857)
Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, August 26, 1806

Christine Biddle
1806-08-26

Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine arrived in Philadelphia on Saturday last and immediately went to Mount Pleasant (Pennsylvania) where she found her family in perfect health. Extended her gratitude for all of the kindness that both Susan and Mr. Niemcewicz testified towards them while they stayed with her. Saw Peter Kean at Princeton and was pleased to observe the striking attraction in his appearance. Peter gave Christine a reason to hope that Susan would one day be a resident amongst them in Philadelphia. Received a letter from her dear mother who appeared to be in good health. Much obliged to Mrs. Kollock for her kindness and would have been very happy to see her in her own house. Mentioned to Mrs. B her wish to discover Mrs. Wheeler, Susan’s nurse. Christine found that she lived near Mount Pleasant at a place where her family cultivated for Mr. Shoemaker. Mentioned in the postscript that poor Nelly was very ill. They had a woman to nurse her and she enquired after Susan with grateful affections.

People mentioned: Marianne Alexander Williams (d. 1816), Mrs. Kollock, and Peter Philip James Kean (1788-1828).

Places mentioned: Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and Princeton University.
Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, March 24, 1806

Christine Biddle
1806-04-24

Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine was very disappointed when she read Susan’s letter and discovered she would not favor her with a visit. Asked that Susan consider visiting anyway with Peter since such a jaunt would be agreeable to him. Christine sent for Elizabeth Humphreys and told her that Mrs. B wished her to go to Elizabethtown as soon as possible. However, Christine just discovered that Mrs. Fox anticipated being confined in about three weeks and would be distressed if Elizabeth were to leave her before it was over. Elizabeth asked if it was possible to stay with Mrs. Fox till the period she mentioned since it would be unkind to leave her. However, if Mrs. B desired it, Elizabeth would leave Mrs. Fox. Thanked Susan for the offer of making purchases for her at Mrs. B’s sale. The only piece of furniture that Christine coveted was Mrs. B’s piano, which she had no intention of taking. Mr. B [Thomas Biddle] claimed the finest pianos could be had in London at second hand for half the first cost. Christine’s piano was tuned and put to rights so she was content with it. Mr. B had a few trifles to communicate with Susan on business but wanted to wait to tell them to her in person. Asked Susan to confirm with Mrs. B that Elizabeth’s expenses to Elizabethtown would be paid for.

People mentioned: Mrs. Bellasis, Thomas Biddle, Mrs. Fox, and Elizabeth Humphreys.
Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, October 20, 1806

Christine Biddle
1806-10-20

Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine was happy to hear that Mr. Niemcewicz’s health was reestablished. Mr. Law told her that he had heard so from himself a few days after Christine received Susan’s letter. Mr. Law dined with them and communicated some of his poetical effusions in manuscript, which Christine found very pretty. Saw from a distance Mrs. Carmack walking with her husband. Christine’s mother desired her to write to Elizabethtown on the 20^th, therefore Susan would likely see her shortly. Planned to write Miss Robert and give her information about the different boarding schools.

People mentioned: Thomas Law (1756–1834), Mrs. Carmack, and Miss Robert.
Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, September 16, 1806

Christine Biddle
1806-09-16

Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine received Susan’s kind letter and elegant present Friday afternoon but her being indisposed prevented her from seeing Mr. Law[?]. Mrs. B was with her and they both admired the shawl. It was the most beautiful thing of its kind that reached Philadelphia. Christine would thank Susan for it if she knew how to do so sufficiently for both the shawl and Susan’s kindness. Christine inquired regarding her purple shawl in her last letter (dated August 26, 1806) because she had lost items from her bed chamber. She thought it possible she may have lost more than she had perceived. They got rid of the man they suspected was stealing. Nelly recovered and went to the country. Dr. C said she must never risk her health by doing the work of a chambermaid. Christine was obliged to give her up and wished Nelly had some situation resembling that of Miss Katy DeHart. If Susan knew of anyone in New York wanting such a person like Nelly who could do light and easy work, Christine asked that she let her know. Opened the cases of China sent by George and received a letter from Alex who informed her that Mama was quite well and Papa only had a cold. Anticipated her parents arriving in November. Happy to hear that Maria and the rest of the Ricketts family were amusing themselves so agreeably. Christine was tormented with a toothache and asked Susan’s forgiveness for ending her letter so abruptly.

People mentioned: Nelly, Dr. C, Miss Katy DeHart, George Brown, Capt. Alexander John Williams (1790-1814), Maria Ricketts, and the Ricketts Family.
Christine Biddle to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, July,3, 1806

Christine Biddle
07-03-1806

Christine Biddle wrote from an unknown location to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey.She apologizes for not writing sooner and discusses problems she has been having with servants (possibly enslaved). She also says that she plans to head up to West Point and would like to visit Peter in Princeton and stay Susan and Julian in Elizabeth Town either on her way there or back.

People Included: Julian Ursin Niemcewicz, Peter Philip James Kean, Thomas Biddle, Nelly

Places Included: Princeton, West Point
Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, March 5, 1806

Chrsitine Biddle
1806-03-05

Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine was delayed in writing to Susan as she was busy making family arrangements and receiving visitors. Wished Susan and Mr. Niemcewicz would come to see how pleasantly she was situated. Christine described one of her female servants as a “perfect treasure” who spoke broad scotch, understood her business, and did it completely. Attended a party the night before at Mrs. Griffiths where she happened to be seated next to Mrs. Dr. Bache with whom Christine had a good deal of conversation. Some people were saying that Maria Ricketts was engaged while others were saying she was married.

People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz, Catharine Wistar Bache (d. 1820), and Maria Ricketts.
Thomas Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, August 18, 1806

Thomas Biddle
1806-08-18

Thomas Biddle wrote to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Thomas Biddle received the balance of the ground rent and hastened to remit it to Susan. Mr. Binney wrote a note respecting repairs to the house in Philadelphia. Thomas planned to deliver the note to Susan when she arrived with Christine (Biddle) in a few days and converse with her on the subject.