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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, November 14, 1808
Peter Philip James Kean
1808-11-14
Peter Kean wrote from Washington, D.C. to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. The following letter is incomplete and appears to be missing the first five pages. The letter documents part of Peter’s travels to South Carolina and Georgia. On the 4th, Peter occupied himself on delivering letters of introduction, including one to Mr. Harper who invited Peter to a dance at his house that evening. The company was large and the ladies well dressed. The ladies of Baltimore were generally pretty and their manners were affable and polite. The character of Mr. Harper was well known, his manners were dignified yet affable. The gentlemen of Baltimore were remarkable for their hospitality & politeness to strangers. Colonel Howard fought alongside General Washington and always adhered to the principles of his Chief. Old Mr. Gilmor was an open-hearted hospitable gentleman. His son, Robert, married the daughter of Major Ladson of South Carolina was a man of refinement in his ideas and manners. Messrs. Oliver we generous open-hearted men who amassed great wealth in trade. Mr. McHenry, the former Secretary of War was extremely friendly. Baltimore was situated by the Chesapeake Bay and the city was surrounded by hills that overlooked the water beyond it for many miles. The houses were mostly two stories high and small. Fort McHenry protected the harbor of Baltimore and was situated on the South East side of the basin on a neck of land formed by the Patuxent and the bason. On the 13th, Peter left Baltimore for Washington and when he arrived, he called on Mrs. Erskin. Mr. E invited him to dine with him. The house did not take up the Embargo question for want of some documents. The Senate had been sitting with closed doors. Dr. Mitchel promised to introduce Peter to the President (Thomas Jefferson).
People mentioned: John Eager Howard (1752 – 1827), George Washington (1789 - 1797), Sarah Reeve Ladson (1790-1866), Robert Gilmor, Sr. (1748-1822), and Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826).
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, November 24, 1808
Peter Philip James Kean
1808-11-24
Peter Kean wrote from Washington, D.C. to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter delayed writing because he was surrounded by noise and bustle and found it impossible to concentrate. Hoped that Congress would take up the Embargo question but they continued to delay it from day to day. The House was setting with closed doors over a motion of Mr. Randolph’s. Some conjecture that his propositions was to declare war against France and others and that he wished the House would disclose what was kept behind. The Mayo’s arrived on Sunday and were staying with Mr. Madison. Peter had the pleasure of seeing them twice. Peter went twice to the Palace (White House), which was a noble building but very illy furnished. President Jefferson was complaining of a tooth ache and swelled face when Peter saw him. Peter did not converse with Jefferson but if Physiognomy could be relied on, then there was no error respecting the character of our “political juggler.” Peter dined twice at Mr. Erskin’s and once with Mr. Jodostrom. Had the pleasure of meeting with W.A. Livingston, N.F. More, and Mr. Jephson of New York. Livingston, Jephson, and Peter went to Mount Vernon and spent about an hour there and returned to Alexandria for dinner.
People mentioned: James Madison (1751-1836), John Randolph (1773-1833), and Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826).
Places mentioned: Mount Vernon
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, November 5, 1808
Peter Philip James Kean
1808-11-05
Peter Kean wrote from Baltimore, Maryland to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter arrived in Baltimore after a ride of two days. As soon as he arrived, he ordered a hack [hackney] to proceed to Belvedere. Just as he and Mr. Dallas were about to step into the carriage, Mr. Harpor’s nephew invited them to a dance at his uncle’s for the following evening. Mrs. H was rejoiced to see Peter and offered him a bed immediately. The Colonel and John were out, but returned within the hour. The Colonel observed that they had better send their hack back to town and take a bed there in a hospitable manner that Peter and Mr. Dallas immediately complied. Mr. Dallas planned to head to Washington soon but Peter remained in Baltimore for a few days. Mrs. H invited him to dine at her house where there was a large party given to Mr. and Mrs. Harrison and Miss Rebecka Hamilton of Philadelphia. Later that evening, they had a delightful dance at Mr. Harper’s where Peter met with many of his old college acquaintances and Miss Cambell, whom Peter was introduced to by Susan Ridley. Colonel and Mrs. Rodgers were amongst the guests at dinner. Peter was invited to dine at the younger Mr. Gilmore’s but had to refuse. He was introduced to his wife who was a daughter of Major Ladson. Peter made plans to dine with Miss Cambell where there was to be a party and made plans to attend an evening party at Mr. Ridgley’s. Belvedere was situated behind Baltimore and commanded a fine view of the bay and adjacent country. The house Peter stayed in was made of brick and quite large. Mrs. H had a delightful family of sweet children. Miss Chew was with her and treated Peter like an old acquaintance. Peter venture to pronounce Baltimore as the “seat of hospitality.”
People mentioned: Susan Anne Ridley Sedgwick (1788–1867), Rebecca Hamilton (1783-1842), Sarah Reeve Ladson (1790-1866), James Henry Ladson (1753 – 1812), and Robert Gilmor Jr. (1774–1848).
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, October 27, 1808
Peter Philip James Kean
1808-10-27
Peter Kean wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter arrived in Philadelphia after a ride of twelve hours; a little tossed and jostled. At the moment, he was sitting comfortably in Mrs. Biddle’s parlor. Mrs. B was perfectly well and in good spirits. Peter expected to stay with her until Monday.
People mentioned: Mrs. Biddle, Dr. Smith, and Mary.
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, October 27, 1808
Peter Philip James Kean
1808-10-27
Peter Kean wrote from Richmond, Virginia to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter left Elizabethtown on the mail stage on his way to Beaufort in South Carolina and the night was stormy and cold. One of his fellow travelers, whom Peter took to be an Irishman, had recently visited Canada and informed him that Sir James Henry Craig, the Commander in Chief of his British Majesties Forces in that Country, was expending £1000 on the works of Quebec, which were so strong that they would battle all attempts to take or destroy them. From the same person, Peter learned that Chancellor Livingston had a steam boat on Lake Champlain. They arrived in Trenton around eleven o’clock. Trenton carried a great deal of business with the interior country. The bridge across the Delaware was a piece of architecture which honored its planner. Peter arrived in Philadelphia on the 28th in the morning where he met the most cordial and friendly reception imaginable from Mr. and Mrs. Biddle. In the evening, Peter had supper with Dr. Chapman. Philadelphians had been accused of coldness and want of hospitality to strangers. This charge, Peter denied. Philadelphia was perhaps the most regular city on the continent; all its street cut one another at right angles. The most notable buildings included the Bank of Pennsylvania, the Bank of the United States, Christ Church, Peale’s Museum, and the Rotunda. On the 29th, Peter dined with Colonel Biddle and later attended the ladies to Ogilvie’s Orations. Ogilvie made a great deal of noise in Philadelphia; his manner very theatrical and his style extremely entertaining. On the 30th, Peter dined with A.J. Dallas Esquire who was ranked amongst the most gentlemanly man in Philadelphia. The same day, Peter also dined with Dr. Benjamin Rush who had long been termed the “Asclepius of America;” his manners were extremely mild and gentleness beamed from his eye. Peter spent the afternoon with Mr. Calwalider where he met Richard Penn, Esquire, former Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania. On November 1st, Peter spent part of the evening with Dr. and Mrs. Chapman. While attending dinner with Mr. Dallas, he shared a story from when Mr. B was Attorney General of the State of New York. He prosecuted a man for murder who demanded some days longer before they should bring him to trial alleging, he could provide an alibi by the most respectable witness. B refused to wait and the man was tried and condemned. The next day, the witness arrived and was examined and the man’s innocence was proved. The Court recommended him to mercy and his friends were about to dispatch an express to New York with the recommendation of the Court when Mr. B observed that there was no necessity for such a step as he was heading to New York the following day and would take every measure to procure the pardon. The papers were given to him and he set out, arrived in New York and forgot his promise. The day of execution arrived and no respite came. On the 2nd, Peter left Philadelphia and documented his travels. On the 29th, Peter wrote from Richmond Virginia and wanted to share an account of Washington. The city was extremely fine being on a plane which commanded the extensive view of the Potomac and the adjacent country. Washington was divided into three parts; the Palace and its purlieus, the Capital, and the Navy Yard. The Palace was a stately building about two hundred feet in length of white stone, which at a distance resembled marble. It was two stories high with immense ceilings and resembled the Temple of Minerva at Athens. Pennsylvania Avenue lead from the President’s to the Capital. The Capital did not exist yet except in the mind of Mr. Latrobe.
People mentioned: General Sir James Henry Craig KB (1748-1812), Abigail Adams (1744-1818), Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), Benjamin Rush (1746-1813), James Ogilvie (1773–1820), Richard Penn Jr. (1735-1811), and Benjamin Henry Latrobe (1764 - 1820).
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, October 31, 1808
Peter Philip James Kean
1808-10-31
Peter Kean wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter received Susan’s letter also enclosing one from Mr. Colden. Peter planned to leave Philadelphia the following day and travel by land to Baltimore. Peter dined at Mr. Dallas’s and during dinner he suggested to his son George, a friend of Peter’s, accompany him to Baltimore. His father overheard and encouraged him to go to Washington so Peter had an agreeable companion all the way. Met Mr. J. Smith and was met with the greatest kindness and attention from the Biddle family. The evening Peter arrived in Philadelphia, he dined at Dr. Chapman’s. Afterwards, he went to hear the celebrated Mr. Ogilvie delivered an oration. He passed time at Mr. Willings’s and dined at Dr. Rush’s. Mr. and Mrs. Cadwalider also treated Peter with great kindness.
People mentioned: Mr. Colden, Mrs. Dallas, Mr. J. Smith, the Biddle family, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Willings, Dr. Benjamin Rush (1746 - 1813), James Ogilvie (1773–1820), and Mr. and Mrs. Cadwalider.
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, September 27, 1808
Peter Philip James Kean
1808-09-27
Peter Kean wrote from Albany, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter informed Susan that he was doing well and that there was no inflammation on his face. Mrs. B.z. arrived along with the dear girl Peter loved. Sorry to find Susan out in the storm and hoped she got over her fatigue. Miss Jay spoke of traveling by boat the following week and Peter thought he would accompany her. Mrs. Bell and Margaret would not be able to visit Susan as they had business in the Western Country to attend to.
People mentioned: Mrs. B.z., Sarah Louisa Jay (1792-1818), Mrs. Bell, and Margaret.
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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
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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,
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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
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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.
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Julian Niemcewicz to Susan Niemcewicz, May 7, 1807
Julian Niemcewicz
1807-05-07
Julian Niemcewicz wrote to Susan Niemcewicz, unaddressed. Julian was unexpectedly summoned to the vessel and he did not have the strength to bid her adieu. He enclosed his will and asked Susan to write to him in Paris at the following address: Mr. N. chez Mr. William Maclure Rue des brodeurs à Paris.
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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.
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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.
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James Ricketts and Sarah Julia Ricketts to Julian U. Niemcewicz, November 7, 1805
James Ricketts and Sarah Julia Ricketts
1807-11-07
James Ricketts and Sarah Julia Ricketts wrote from London, England to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. James had been writing so much that he was starting to detest the sight of pen and ink. However, he could not let the opportunity pass to inform Julian that they were all well and to enclose an account of the most brilliant victory that ever graced the Arms of Britain. Mrs. R. was quite mortified that she had not heard from Susan since her arrival. Maria went to Richmond with Mr. Penn. They were to go to the Ball at Hampton Court. Their dear little Sally was their only child with them. Asked that Julian send the enclosed account to B. as soon as he’s read it. Sarah (Sally) Julia Ricketts penned a few lines in the post script; She went to London to look for something strictly for Julian but could not find anything she thought he would like. Asked Julian to tell Aunt Susan that she wished she was there to go with them to the Lord Major’s.
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Jonas Wade with Susan Niemcewicz, January 3, 1807
Jonas Wade and Peter Philip James Kean
1807-01-03
The following document is a receipt between Jonas Wade and Susan Niemcewicz for 2 loads of wood and 6 pairs of fowls.
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Jonas Wade with Susan Niemcewicz, January 13, 1807
Jonas Wade and Susan U. Niemcewicz
1807-01-13
The following document is a receipt between Jonas Wade and Susan Niemcewicz for 80 feet of nut wood.
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Jonas Wade with Susan Niemcewicz, January 16, 1807
Jonas Wade and Susan U. Niemcewicz
1807-01-16
The following document is a receipt between Jonas Wade and Susan Niemcewicz for 1 load of nut wood 80 feet.
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Jonas Wade with Susan Niemcewicz, January 9, 1807
Jonas Wade and Susan U. Niemcewicz
1807-01-09
The following document is a receipt between Jonas Wade and Susan Niemcewicz for 68 feet of nut wood.
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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).
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LeRoy, Bayard, & McEvers to Susan Niemcewicz, January 25, 1806
1806-01-25
LeRoy, Bayard, & McEvers wrote from New York, New York to Susan U. Niemcewicz, unaddressed. LeRoy, Bayard, & McEvers received a letter from Mr. Josiah Smith and Correspondent in Charleston in which he informed them that he paid Judge Grimké $337.22 for four half yearly acquisitions on Susan’s Catawba Company Shares to March 1805. Mr. Smith wrote on the subject refering Josiah Smith to Judge Grimké’s letter respecting the present situation and future propriety of the Catawba Canal Company. They did not have a letter from Judge Grimké addressed to Susan or themselves and presumed that he wrote directly to Susan. Added $337.22 to Susan’s account and credited Susan with $144 dividends recently received.
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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.
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Saltres & Yates to Susan Niemcewicz, May 31, 1806
1806-05-31
Saltres & Yates wrote from Charleston, South Carolina to Susan U. Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. By desire of their friend Mr. Robert Barnwell of Beaufort, Saltres & Yates enclosed on his account their draft at ten days sight on Mr. John McAdams of New York for twelve hundred dollars.
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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.
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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.
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