Liberty Hall Collection 1800s

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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, May 9, 1806

Peter Philip James Kean
1806-05-09

Peter Kean wrote from Nassau Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter found it impracticable to write to his mother, Susan, by mail until he got himself settled. Planned to send a message by Ralph Hylton that he learned nothing of Col. W’s box. The ride from Elizabethtown to Princeton is beautiful, nature arrayed in her most lovely colors.

People mentioned: Ralph Hylton, Col. W, Dr. Smith, Mrs. Pintard, Mr. Armstrong, and Julian Niemcewicz.
Brockholst Livingston to Susan Niemcewicz, circa November 1806

Henry Brockholst Livingston
circa November 1806

Brockholst Livingston wrote from Bloomingdale, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Asked Susan to extend his thanks to Mrs. Tyler for permitting his daughter to accompany her to the island of Jamaica. The state of Louisa’s health had become so precarious within the last few days, her cough, in particular, was so bad. They thought it most prudent in her feeble state to try nursing and care at home. Brockholst felt that a visit to Elizabethtown to see Susan was not in their power as they were busy moving. If and when Susan, Mr. Niemcewicz, or Peter came to town, a room would always be available for them.

People mentioned: Mrs. Tyler, Mrs. Hylton, Julian Niemcewicz, and Peter Kean.
Brockholst Livingston to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, October 27, 1806

Henry Brockholst Livingston
10-27-1806

Henry Brockholst Livingston wrote from New York to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, his cousin, in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey. He is asking Susan to talk with Mrs. Hylton about his daughter traveling with her to Jamaica. Susan's response is on the back telling Brockholst he should bring his daughters to Elizabeth Town so they can meet Mrs. Hylton.She also recomends his daughter bring a black woman to Jamaica rather than a white woman as "the latter are very troublesome in Jamaica"

People Included: Mr. Armstrong, Mrs. Hylton

Places Included: Jamaica
John A. Morton to Julian Niemcewicz, April 16, 1805

John A. Morton
1806-04-16

John A. Morton wrote from Paris, France to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. John enclosed a bill of exchange and informed Julian that he received a letter under a blank cover and another from Julian addressed to John’s care that was in the post office. The Post Office would not deliver the letter addressed to John’s care but after some trouble, they suspended the law and delivered it. John supposed they would not do that again and in the future Julian was to put his letters undercover to someone at Paris without changing them or he would have to send a formal Power of Attorney. The Attorney himself would have to give a formal receipt for each letter. John did not know what Julian’s letters contained, but if they were common correspondence they would be safe without all the ceremony of changing and accumulation of responsibility. Discussed a banker in Warsaw that could assist Julian with his banking transactions. Mr. L was in Paris but John did not know if he planned on visiting Julian’s side of the water. Note that the bottom of this manuscript is torn.
Julian Niemcewicz Agriculture Ledger, circa 1806

Julian U. Niemcewicz
circa 1806

The following item is Julian Niemcewicz’s Agriculture Book which contains lists of various plants that he categorized based on scientific classification. Later pages contain lists of plants that were suitable to cook with, a log of his agricultural activities, instructions on how to utilize chemicals for fertilizers, notes on how to treat toothaches, and instructions for cement to mend china cups, glasses, and the like.
Susan Niemcewicz with James Thorpe, August 10, 1805

Susan U. Niemcewicz and James Thorpe
1806-08-10

The following document is a receipt between Susan Niemcewicz and James Thorpe. The amount was paid in full for driving oxen.
James Ricketts to Julian Niemcewicz, June 22, 1806

James Ricketts
1806-06-22

James Ricketts wrote from Otto House near Hammersmith, London to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Thanked Julian for his kind letters of the 28^th and 30^th of April and the 2^nd of May. James wrote Julian repeatedly and hoped he received his letters as he gave an account of Bath. They had just returned from a six-week siege in the great world where night turned into day and passed the most interesting season of the year from the Country amidst the noise and brattle of that immense city. Observed that Mrs. R and Maria had written long letters on that subject already and only wanted to add that he was delighted to find himself once more in the great and hospitable house of his kind friend. Did not believe that any young stranger had ever met with more attention or seen more of the gay and fashionable world than Maria had. They had been at many of the fast horses and were met with uncommon attention. Dined twice at home only to entertain a “few old dowagers.” Discussed provisions and prices. Nothing had been discussed about Henry lord viscount Melville’s trial. He was acquitted a few days prior. Looked over Mrs. R’s letter in which she gave an account of a Masquerade Ball. She mentioned large figures in the great room but neglected to inform Julian how they were dressed like Venus, Apollo, Hercules, and Gladiators. They made them appear a little more modest and had red string ties around their bodies and fig leaves in the proper places. However, with the warmth of the room, many of the fig leaves shriveled up and they looked worse than they would have without anything. For several days, there had been strong reports of a Negotiation that took place with France. The stocks had risen in consequence and from what James had been able to learn, there was strong grounds for the report and he sincerely hoped it were true. The newspapers claimed Mr. Pinckney and Mr. Munro arrived in Liverpool and trusted they would soon adjust everything. [This became known as the Monroe–Pinkney Treaty, A maritime agreement that defined neutral and belligerent rights in times of war and established terms of trade between the United States and the British Empire. The Monroe-Pinkney Treaty of 1806: A Reappraisal, Donald R. Hickey.] The President’s Proclamation had been redacted[?] and James was increasingly mortified to hear of their blackguard expressions[?] James added a few lines dated the 24th of June. He was afforded more time to add to his letter to Julian as the Captain by whom the letter was to go did not plan to take his bag until the following morning. James recounted his jaunt in the Rivers to Woolwich. They embarked above the Bridges around 10 o’clock in the morning in a fine barge and first visited the Great West India Docks, which were the finest in the world. From there they went to Black Wall where they stopped to see the work going on to destroy an immense rock in the River near that place. A few hundred men had been working for four months. From there, they proceeded to Woolwich and afterward to Deptford where all the Royal Yacht were in Dock. After visiting the beautiful ships and frigates, they returned up the River and arrived home at about 8 o’clock in the evening. They dined on board their boat. The same day James completed his letter, they planned to visit Mr. Hopes’ fine house and his fine collections of pictures. They were to dine with Mr. Lewis and planned to go with a large party in the evening to Vana Hall. Informed Julian that he would write him by Mr. Carmac and extended his well wishes to their mutual family and friends including Susan Niemcewicz, Peter Kean, Mrs. Hilton, the Dayton’s, the Ogden’s, Jane Lewmen, and Mrs. Armstrong.

People mentioned: Henry lord viscount Melville, William Pinkney, James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson, Susan Niemcewicz, Sarah Ricketts, Maria Ricketts, Mr. Hopes, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Carmac, Mrs. Hilton, the Dayton’s, the Ogden’s, Jane Lewmen, and Mrs. Armstrong.

Places mentioned Woolwich, London; Deptford, England; Great West India Docks; Liverpool, England; and France.
James Otto Ricketts to James Ricketts, June 24, 1806

James Otto Ricketts
06-24-1806

James Otto Ricketts wrote from Bromley, London to James Ricketts, his father, addressed to John Jackson, Esq. near Hammersmith, London. He wrote that the end of the term was coming up and outlined what he had studied. He said that after the term he planned to travel to Hammersmith and wanted to meet his friends and father there. He mentioned Mr. and Mrs. Dean sent their best wishes to their family and the Jacksons.
Maria E.P. Ricketts to Christine Williams, March 5, 1806

Maria E.P. Ricketts
03-05-1806

Maria E.P. Ricketts wrote from Otto House, Hammersmith in London to Christine Williams at Walnut Street in Philadelphia. Maria is currently in London having spent time in Bath with Susan Ursin Niemcewicz. She also met a young man named R. Peters who claimed he was engaged, but would not tell the name of his fiancee.

People Included: Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, Mrs. Elliot, R. Peters

Places included: Bath, Clifton, Hyde Park
Maria E.P. Ricketts to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, March 6, 1806

Maria E.P. Ricketts
03-06-1806

Maria E.P. Ricketts wrote from Hammersmith, London to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabeth Town, NJ. She talks about her travels in England and what she has been up to. In the original she also enclosed a letter for Peter Kean and apologizes for it being so short.

People Included:Peter Philip James Kean, Mrs. Elliot, Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Kennedy, Phil, mentions the Prince who is presumably Prince George (Future King George IV),

Places mentioned: Bath, Bristol, Portland Place
Comp. for Maclure and Robertson to Julian U. Niemcewicz, May 28, 1805

1805-05-28

Maclure and Robertson wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. All of Julian’s favors were received. Mr. Benney paid Maclure and Robertson the amount of Mrs. Coxe’s quarters rent and $1.25 for conveying water into the house. Also received $106.66 on account of Mr. Morris. Mr. Benney moved into the house after getting it painted and papered. Deposited the funds into the hands of Mr. Simpson to be placed to the credit of Mrs. Niemcewicz in New York which amounted to $179.87. Included a statement on the verso.
Comp: Maclure and Robertson to Julian U. Niemcewicz, July 17, 1805

1805-07-17

Maclure and Robertson wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Received the last quarter’s rent on the house occupied by Mr. Binney. Amounts for the Carpenter’s bill and postage were deducted leaving $98.88. Enclosed George Simpson’s check in Julian’s favor on the U.S. Branch Bank in New York.
Julian Niemcewicz with Andrew Woodruff, July 25, 1805

1805-07-25

The following document represents Julian Niemcewicz’s account with Andrew Woodruff for a variety of tasks including painting and mending windows as well as the cost of various items including nails, boards, and glass.
Julian Niemcewicz with Oliver Hatfield, August 24, 1805

1805-08-24

The following document is a receipt for all kinds of meat till 22 Aug. 1805. The amount was paid in full by Julian Niemcewicz to Oliver Hatfield.
Julian U. Niemcewicz with Willian Sweet, Tinman's Account

1805-08-30

The following document is a receipt for mending sundries of old tin and mending canisters and cups. The amount was paid in full by Julian Niemcewicz to William Sweet to Tinman’s account.
Susan Niemcewicz with James Ricketts, Auction Receipt, July 6, 1805

1805-07-06

The following document is a receipt of items Susan Niemcewicz purchased from James Ricketts’ auction. Items include coffee, sweet oil, and a pair of oxen. The receipt also notes the amount to be deducted for sundries that Mrs. Niemcewicz claimed were not purchased and for 8 chairs sold.
Susan Niemcewicz with Nathaniel Mitchell, July 8, 1805

1805-07-08

The following document is a receipt reflecting payment received from Susan Niemcewicz to Nathaniel Mitchell for three fourths of a day's work.
U.S. Bank Stock belonging to Susannah Niemcewicz, January 25, 1805

1805-01-25

The following document is a receipt noting the 6 months dividend for Susan Niemcewicz’s United States Bank Shares, the dividend on her 6 New York Insurance Shares, and the dividend on 6 additional New York Insurance Shares in the name of Susan Kean.
J.C. Barnet to an Unknown Person, May 13, 1805

J.C. Barnet
05-13-1805

J.C. Barnet wrote from Paris to an unknown person, possibly Julian Ursin Niemcewicz. He requests that the recipient ask Mr. Woolsey if he recieved his letter and Power of Attorney. If not Barnet asks the recipient to swear an oath before a magistrate so that he can receive and send him an instrument through the French Consul.

People included: Mr. Woolsey, Mr. Baldwin

Places Included: French Consul, New York
J.C. Barnet to Julian Ursin Niemcewicz, May 13, 1805

J.C. Barnet
05-13-1805

J.C. Barnet wrote from Paris to Julian Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey.

People Included: Colonel Mercer

Places included: Cherbourg, Marseille
Robert Barnwell to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, January 1, 1805

Robert Barnwell
01-01-1805

Robert Barnwell, address unknown, wrote to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz regarding late payments on his bonds and that he was unable to pay what he owed her for the previous and current year.

People included: Richetts Family
Isabelle Bell to Susan Niemcewicz, January 2, 1805

Isabelle Bell
1805-01-02

Isabelle Bell wrote from Albany, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Isabelle rejoiced at the return of Julian Niemcewicz. Isabelle's music master, or rather the one who taught all the city, took umbrage at S. Duane who had employed him for two years. S. Duane along with her sisters derived him considerable employment. He appeared dissatisfied with everything and everyone in Albany, although it was said he made between eight and twelve hundred dollars a year. Isabelle’s dancing master, who was recommended by Miss Fairlee, was foolish to take a leave while he had twenty-eight students in her house and a considerable school of young men at the public house. He was in debt and yielded to the terrors of a jail with which he was threatened and sailed for New York. Expected to suffer temporarily by the want of masters. Discusses mutual acquaintances and friends.

People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz, S. Duane, Miss Fairlee, Mrs. Banyers, Mrs. Armstrong, Mrs. William Dayton, and Mrs. Ricketts.
Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, April 8, 1805

Christine Biddle
1805-04-08

Christine Biddle wrote to Susan Niemcewicz at No. 19 Bond Street, New York. When Christine received Susan’s kind and affectionate letter she was confined to her bed as a result of a severe indisposition. It was, therefore, a few days before she could go and see Mrs. Palmer and give Susan an opinion of her own about her. Mrs. Palmer was evidently free from disease and required only care to set her up again. Fanny suffered from chills and a fever. Mr. Ricketts’s household had been particularly afflicted. His determination to sail for England on the 20^th appeared to Christine to be the very best method he could take to restore his health. Mrs. R[icketts] was distressed by the idea of parting with him but appeared to accept the separation. Christine’s cousin, Miss Bradford, went to New York without telling her, otherwise, Christine would have asked for an account of Susan. Mr. Biddle regretted not having time to visit Susan while he was in New York but in his line of work, he was not his own master. Christine was doing well except the last of her indisposition remained in the shape of a cough.

People mentioned: Mrs. Palmer, Fanny, Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts, Mrs. Lawrence, Miss Bradford, and Mr. Biddle.

Places mentioned: New York, NY, and Philadelphia, PA.
Horace Binney to Julian Niemcewicz, January 8, 1805

Horace Binney
1805-01-08

Horace Binney wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Binney was referred to Julian by Mrs. Cox of Philadelphia for information related to the house on Walnut Street that she had occupied under a lease from Susan Niemcewicz. Enquired if it would be agreeable with Julian if Binney were to hold the house from year to year after the expiration of Mrs. Cox’s time and whether repairs, such as the construction of a new sink, would be made. The former agent, Gustavus Risberg, no longer acted in that capacity. Asked if someone else with that power, or Julian himself, would be able to arrange the repairs. If Julian planned to visit Philadelphia, Binney hoped an agreement could be arranged as he was bound to give an answer to his present landlord. On the verso, Julian penned a draft of an answer to Binney’s inquiry regarding the house on Walnut Street. If Mrs. Cox planned on leaving the house, Susan would be glad to have it occupied by Binney and sent her power of attorney by mail to Mr. John Robertson, her new agent. Repairs were made while Mrs. Cox resided in the house, as for a new sink, Robertson would speak with the mechanics and get an estimate of the work. As soon as Susan received from Mr. R the necessary information respecting repairs and the terms of Mrs. Cox’s lease, the affair would be concluded.

People mentioned: Gustavus Risberg, John Robertson, Mrs. Cox, and Susan Niemcewicz.
Indenture Bill of Sale from Tobias Boudinot to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz

Tobias Boudinot
04-18-1805

Bill of sale from Tobias Boudinot of Newark to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz of Elizabeth Town for the sale of an enslaved girl named Eve who was about fourteen for $175.