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Liberty Hall Collection 1800s

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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.
George Van Brugh Brown to Susan Niemcewicz, April 20, 1805

George Van Brugh Brown
1805-04-20

George Van Brugh Brown wrote from Greenan, Scotland to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. George had not heard from Susan in a considerably long time. He was familiar with her dislike of writing and did not want to pass along an opportunity to enquire about her and Peter. George’s children were all well and in good health. His last letter was dated March 10th, which he supposed would reach Susan about this time. At the time, George was heading to Edinburgh but only stayed for a week and ever since then, he was constantly at home. Mrs. B has been confined with a fever but was recovering. It was brought on by influenza. They were still in the dark upon the question of peace or war.
William Dawes with Peter Kean, October 22, 1805

William Dawes
1805-10-22

The following item is a receipt reflecting payment received for mending a lock from Peter Kean to William Dawes.
Beaumanoir de la Forest to Susan Niemcewicz

Beaumanoir de la Forest
1805-09-01

Beaumanoir de la Forest wrote from Berlin to Susan Niemcewicz, unaddressed. Beaumanoir was glad to hear of Mr. Niemcewicz’s arrival and wished that Susan was with him. Encouraged Susan to learn French so they could easily converse. Discussed the death of Alexander Hamilton. He was Beaumanoir’s choice in all of Susan’s country. Hamilton had so many good and bright qualities. Asked about the Knox family, the Malcolms, and Mrs. Williams. Discussed Peter and his situation with a female companion.

People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz, Alexander Hamilton, Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, Aaron Burr (referred to), the Knox Family, the Malcolms, Mrs. Williams, and Peter Kean.
Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, March 14, 1805

Peter Kean
1805-03-14

Peter Kean wrote from Princeton (Princeton University), New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz, unaddressed (likely Elizabethtown, New Jersey. After a long silence, Peter was happy to hear that everyone was well. Hoped to not trouble his mother for anything except for 4 Dollars to pay his way to Elizabethtown in 4 weeks. Peter wrote once to “C.” and intended to write her again soon. Asked Susan to thank Papa (Julian Niemcewicz) for his affectionate letter. Peter was afflicted with a toothache, an earache, and a blister behind his ear.

People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz.
John Faucheraud Grimké to Peter Kean, May 23, 1805

Peter Philip James Kean
1805-05-23

John Faucheraud Grimké wrote from Charleston, South Carolina to Peter Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter’s favor of the 12th of April met John on his return to town from the Circuit. Sorry to hear that Peter’s amiable mother (Susan Niemcewicz) had not received any returns of literacy communication from her friends in Charleston that she expected. Discussed the Catawba Company installments and the Santee Canal dividends. Mentioned that installments would have been made had they not purchased 60 negroes on account of the Company last year. Mr. Barnwell made no payments nor did he expect any from him. Grimké’s second son, Frederick Grimké, was at Yale College in Connecticut and would likely visit Peter and his mother. Whenever Peter completed his education and was inclined to visit his native country, he would do Grimké justice to consider him as one of the sincere friends who would welcome him with heartfelt pleasure.

People mentioned: Susan Niemcewicz and Frederick Grimké (1791-1863).
Peter Kean to John Faucheraud Grimké, October 25, 1805

Peter Philip James Kean
1805-10-25

Peter Kean wrote from Elizabethtown, New Jersey to John Faucheraud Grimké unaddressed (likely Charleston, South Carolina.) Nothing could have given Peter greater pleasure than the receipt of Grimké’s letter dated the 23^rd of May. Peter received a letter from Mr. Barnwell at the beginning of the summer in which he informed Peter that the Southern property was diminishing in value because of the ravages of the caterpillar. The prospect Mr. B gave them lest the Catawba Canal Shares were forfeited, made Susan apprehensive concerning affairs in Carolina. Mr. LeRoy of New York wrote some time since to Mr. Smith requesting him to make any payments that might be due on the shares belonging to Peter’s father’s estate (John Kean). Since then, Susan had not heard from anyone concerning the shares. Sorry that Grimké did not prefer Nassau Hall to Yale College for his son’s education. Hoped his son visited Princeton on his way to Philadelphia. This manuscript also includes a deposit ticket for $85 signed by Susan Niemcewicz and paid to Peter Kean.

People mentioned: Robert Barnwell, Mr. LeRoy, Mr. Smith, John Kean (1756-1795), and Frederick Grimké (1791-1863)
Peter Kean to Julian Niemcewicz, February 4, 1805

Peter Philip James Kean
1805-02-04

Peter Kean wrote from Princeton, New Jersey to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Julian’s letter of the 30^th of January did not reach Peter until the day prior. Sorry to hear that his mother, Susan had been indisposed and asked Julian to inform her that he will write a letter to her by Mrs. Hylton and enclose a letter from Judge Grimke respecting the Catawba Shares. Briefly discussed the situation in Carolina but Peter claimed he was ignorant of the loss they were met with there. The little knowledge he had of mankind induced him to believe that the once-flourishing republic in which they lived would be destroyed by the reigning party and that the property they possessed was not stable. The only prospects Peter had before him were that of gaining a livelihood after things settled or of dying in defense of the rights his father, John Kean fought for. Feared that America would be a “monatrix” to future nations to teach them that a republic could not exist without virtue and that national depravity is always attended by national degrading.

People mentioned John Faucheraud Grimké and Susan Niemcewicz.
Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, January 14, 1805

Peter Philip James Kean
1805-01-14

Peter Kean wrote from Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter penned a kind letter to his mother, Susan where he acknowledged her advice and recognized that it came from a parent who loved him more than any parent loved a child. He went on to give her an account of his affairs which included his paying Marford the bookseller, Mr. Makin the apothecary, confectioner and fruitier for the ball, and small debts in college. Claimed his extravagance was not from the polluted source of mental depravity but from a vain pride and foolish fondness of false pleasure natural to youth. Peter’s assurances were not made by him to induce Susan to discharge his debts but rather they came from one who would scorn to impose on the fondness of a parent and who would not ask for the money were he not confident that guided by the advice of a “skillful pilot” he would always be able hereafter to avoid the rocks of dissipation or the quicksands of folly. Their dance was very agreeable and Peter would have enjoyed himself had he not gotten sick. He left the room after dancing with Mrs. Pintard. Susan may conceive what extortioners the people of Princeton were, Peter and his classmates were required to pay 6 dollars a head and had no supper. Their refreshments were cakes, sandwiches, lemonade, and punch. Wrote Julian Niemcewicz a few lines and sent him his composition. Peter still felt weak but had a good appetite if he could get anything nice to eat.

People mentioned: Mrs. Pintard and Julian Niemcewicz.
Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, May 11, 1805

Peter Philip James Kean
1805-05-11

Peter Kean wrote from Nassau Hall at Princeton University, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. As a consequence of reading Dr. Franklin’s account of the manner in which he pursued the improvement of his style, Peter decided to pursue it whenever he had time. Peter included an excerpt of an imitation of Franklin’s first paper on the imagination and asked that Susan compare it to the original.

People mentioned: Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, November 14, 1805

Peter Philip James Kean
1805-11-14

Peter Kean wrote from Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter asked Susan to excuse him for not answering her kind letter the moment he received it. The impressions he received from Christine’s letter required that Peter answer it while the ideas were fresh in his memory. Miss Ann Smith left Princeton and was on her way to New Orleans.
Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, November 28, 1805

Peter Philip James Kean
1805-11-28

Peter Kean wrote to Susan Niemcewicz unaddressed. Peter took up his pen to relieve any anxieties his absence may have caused by informing his mother, Susan, that he arrived safely at his destination. Their Treasurer’s bill had been raised 5 dollars that session. Hoped Susan’s indisposition left her entirely and that Peter would soon hear that she was enjoying health and spirits.
Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, September 11, 1805

Peter Philip James Kean
1805-09-11

Peter Kean wrote to Susan Niemcewicz, unaddressed. Peter proclaimed that to receive praise from those they esteemed was one of the most pleasing things to mankind. Whether they thought themselves deserving of it or not, the superior judgement of their friends was sufficient. Peter informed his mother, Susan, that he received her letter a few moments ago and was unable to answer her questions about the Kollocks. He did not plan on attending the commencement ball and would set out for home immediately after the speaking was over.

People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz
Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, September 1, 1805

Peter Philip James Kean
1805-09-01

Peter Kean wrote from Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz, unaddressed. Peter was sure his mother, Susan, would excuse his negligence in not answering her last favor as he was preparing for exams. Peter was grateful Susan was kind enough to enquire about his wants and asked for new shirts since his were ragged. Planned to return home in three and a half weeks.

People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz and the Williams family.
Peter P.J. Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, July 18, 1805

Peter Philip James Kean
1805-07-18

Peter Kean wrote from Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz, unaddressed. Peter seized upon the opportunity offered by Mrs. Pentard’s departure to enquire after his mother. Supposed that Uncle R’s family must have left Susan. Peter hoped her spirits did not suffer. Although she was deprived of her sister’s society, Susan was blessed with an affectionate husband and sincere friends.

People mentioned: Sarah Ricketts, formerly Sarah Alexander Livingston (1755–1825) and James Ricketts (1754-1824).
Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, June 2, 1805

Peter PJ Kean
1805-06-02

Peter Kean wrote from Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter thought it would give his mother great pleasure when he informed her that the ringworm on his neck was almost gone in consequence of a wash that he obtained from Doctor Vancleve. It was similar to the wash Julian Niemcewicz got for Mr. William Dayton. By washing with it constantly for a week along with castile soap, the ringworm was clearing up. Peter was confident that his complaint was nearly of the same nature as his mother’s and encouraged Susan to make use of the wash to put a check on its progress and partially cure it. The weather in Princeton was rainy and nature seemed to be hiding her head and threatening them with a second March.

People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz, Doctor Vancleve, William Dayton, and Mrs. Kollock.
Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, circa 1805

Peter P.J. Kean
circa 1805

Peter Kean wrote from Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter informed his mother, Susan, that Mr. Kollock planned to visit Elizabethtown. Shared an anecdote about a sailor who was afraid of the sea on his first voyage. Asked Susan to present his love to his Papa (Julian Niemcewicz).

People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz and Mr. Kollock (possibly Shepard Kollock, 1750-1839)
Peter P.J. Kean to Julian Niemcewicz, July 22, 1805

Peter P.J. Kean
1805-07-22

Peter Kean wrote from Princeton, New Jersey to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. The want of writing something more important than himself kept Peter from writing to Julian. His college life presented such a sameness that it would be impossible to write two letters without having something old in one of them. Since Peter wrote Julian last, he began reading Hume’s England (History of England by David Hume), particularly the part that treats the House of Stuart. The fanaticism that was displayed by the English during that period, their blind love of liberty, and their persecution of the unfortunate Charles were subjects that called forth the attention of every man, more especially of every American, for the happiness of his country. Peter questioned who could hear the rant of the present day and not think of those times. Who could hear their Livingstons and Randolphs and speak of indiscriminate equality and not picture all of the horrors of a revolution, all the terrors of a protectorship? Those were the thoughts that occupied Peter’s mind as he read the history of the revolution. Asked Julian to give his opinion on the subject. Mr. Pollard, the gentleman that was injured on the 4^th, had recovered as to be able to see with glasses on. Peter endeavored to discover who the Judges of the Court of Chancery were; Gen. Read was still in Carolina and had yet to answer Peter’s letter. Recommended Julian read Currans Speeches (likely Speeches of John Philpot Curran, Esq.).
Peter P.J. Kean to Susan and Julian Niemcewicz, December 24, 1805

Peter P.J. Kean
1805-12-24

Peter Kean wrote to Susan and Julian Niemcewicz, unaddressed. Peter acknowledged the Christmas holiday and reflected on the important circumstances and the benefits that had arisen for mankind.
Peter P.J. Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, August 1, 1805

Peter P.J. Kean
1805-08-01

Peter Kean wrote from Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter discussed how commencing a correspondence with a person for whom he possessed a sincere affection, however agreeable it may have been, was in some respects embarrassing. While you strive to please, your mind is constantly on the rack lest some sentence was misworded or a single word misspelled. It might cause a smile on the countenance of a friend, which to Peter would be infinitely more painful than a sneer. Those reasons prevented Peter from commencing a correspondence with Christine until he had the opportunity to converse with her about it. Glad that he and Susan agreed on the subject. Asked that Susan present sincere regards to Col. W’s family and send all her letters post paid.

People mentioned: Christine Williams
Machne and Robertson to Julian Niemcewicz, August 5, 1805

Machne and Robertson
1805-08-05

Machne and Robertson wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Machne and Robertson sent Julian G. Simson’s check on the U.S. Branch Bank at New York in Julian’s favor for $98.88, which he failed to acknowledge. They enclosed another check of G. Simson’s for $586.67.
William Machne to Julian Niemcewicz, April 16, 1805

William Machne
1805-04-16

William Machne wrote from Paris, France to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey by way of the port in New York. William received Julian’s letter of the 28^th of February and wrote him four times since he left. He had trouble getting Julian’s letters from the port office, the last one they would not give him regarding Julian’s Power of Attorney. Suggested Julian forwarded his letters to Messrs. Muller and Co. who could forward them to Paris if William happened to be absent. A Banker in Warsaw desired Messrs. Muller and Co. to pay Julian 280 ducats.